RU2685700C2 - Technologies for the selection of the type of subkrad or for the interconnection of signals for wireless communication under an unlicenced spectrum - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: physics.

SUBSTANCE: invention relates to a long-term development (LTE) project communication standard using an unlicensed spectrum. Method includes generating one or both of PUCCH signals and PUSCH signals based on interleaved signals, which increase the nominal bandwidth occupancy in the unlicensed spectrum, and transmitting the generated signals in the unlicensed spectrum.

EFFECT: technical result is to provide the possibility of multiplexing transmissions of different users for a certain amount of bandwidth.

24 cl, 56 dwg

Description

Cross reference

[0001] This patent application claims the priority of patent application (US) No. 14/281636 by Bhushan et al. Entitled “Techniques for Selecting a Spectrum for the Wireless Communications Over-Unlicensed Spectrum” filed May 19, 2014; and provisional patent application No. 61/825459 (US) of the authors Bhushan et al., entitled "LTE-Unlicensed", filed May 20, 2013, each of which is transmitted to the assignee of this document.

The level of technology

[0002] Wireless communication networks are widely deployed with the ability to provide various communication services such as voice, video, packet data, messaging, broadcast, and the like. These wireless networks can be multiple-access networks that can be supported by multiple users by sharing the available network resources.

[0003] A wireless communication network may include a certain number of base stations or nodes B that can support communication for a certain number of subscriber units (UEs). The UE may communicate with the base station via the downlink and uplink. The downlink (or forward link) refers to the communication link from the base station to the UE, and the uplink (or reverse link) refers to the communication link from the UE to the base station.

[0004] As wireless networks become more crowded, operators begin to learn ways to increase throughput. One approach may be to use wireless local area networks (WLANs) to offload some of the traffic and / or signaling. WLANs (or Wi-Fi networks) are attractive because, unlike cellular networks that operate on a licensed spectrum, they generally operate on an unlicensed spectrum. In addition, a growing amount of spectrum is allocated for access without a license, which leads to greater attractiveness of the option of traffic offload and / or transmission of service signals to WLAN. However, this approach may provide a partial solution to the overload problem, since WLANs tend to use spectrum less efficiently than cellular networks. In addition, the regulations and protocols that are adaptable in a WLAN are different from the regulations and protocols for cellular networks. Therefore, an unlicensed spectrum can remain a valid option in order to reduce overload, if it can be used more efficiently and in accordance with regulatory requirements.

Summary of Invention

[0005] Describes methods and devices in which an unlicensed spectrum can be used for 3GPP Long Term Evolution (LTE) communication. Various deployment scenarios may be supported, including an additional downlink mode in which the capacity of a downlink LTE link in a licensed spectrum can be unloaded onto an unlicensed spectrum. The carrier aggregation mode can be used to unload the downlink and uplink LTE link capacity from the licensed spectrum to the unlicensed spectrum. In standalone mode, communication on the downlink and uplink LTE links between a base station (eg, an enhanced Node B (eNB)) and a UE may be performed in an unlicensed spectrum. Base stations as well as UEs can support one or more of these or similar modes. Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA) communication signals can be used for communication on a downlink LTE link in an unlicensed spectrum, while single-carrier frequency division multiple access communication signals (SC-FDMA) can be used for communication on the uplink LTE link in the unlicensed spectrum. The use of LTE configured for unlicensed spectrum may be referred to as the standard of unlicensed LTE spectrum or LTE-U.

[0006] In the first set of illustrative examples, a method for wireless communication is described. In one example, the method includes comparing previous transmission operations in an unlicensed spectrum with a threshold value of operations, transmitting a first type of subframe in an unlicensed spectrum during the next active transmission when previous transmission operations are more than a threshold value of operations, and transmitting a second type of subframe in an unlicensed spectrum during the next active transfer, when the previous transfer operations are less than the operation threshold. The second type of subframe includes a more reliable type of subframe relative to the first type of subframe. In some embodiments, the first type of subframe includes a subframe based on the legacy carrier type (LCT). In some embodiments, the first type of subframe includes a subframe based on a new type of carrier (NCT). In some embodiments, the second type of subframe includes an LCT subframe with additional common pilot signals, as compared with the first type of subframe, for tracking and channel estimation. In some embodiments, the second type of subframe includes NCT subframes with additional common pilot signals, as compared with the first type of subframe, for tracking and channel estimation. In some embodiments, the method includes transmitting a first type of subframe in an unlicensed spectrum after a predetermined number of transmissions of a second type of subframe has been identified. In some embodiments, implementation, the threshold value of operations includes the number of unlock periods in the unlicensed spectrum for a certain period of time, the number of unlock periods in the unlicensed spectrum for a certain period of time, and / or the number of synchronizing (SYNC) subframes transmitted in the unlicensed spectrum for a certain period of time. In some embodiments, at least the transmission of the first subframe and the transmission of the second subframe are performed by the eNB.

[0007] In the second set of illustrative examples, a device for wireless communication is described. In one example, the device includes means for comparing the previous transmission operations in the unlicensed spectrum with the operation threshold value, means for transmitting the first type of subframe in the unlicensed spectrum during the next active transmission when previous transmission operations are more than the operation threshold value, and means for transmitting the second type of subframe in the unlicensed spectrum during the next active transmission, when the previous transmission operations are less than the threshold value of the operations. The second type of subframe includes a more reliable type of subframe relative to the first type of subframe. In some embodiments, the first type of subframe includes an LCT subframe. In some embodiments, the first type of subframe includes an NCT subframe. In some embodiments, the second type of subframe includes an LCT subframe with additional common pilot signals, as compared with the first type of subframe, for tracking and channel estimation. In some embodiments, the second type of subframe includes NCT subframes with additional common pilot signals, as compared with the first type of subframe, for tracking and channel estimation. In some embodiments, the apparatus includes means for transmitting a first type of subframe in an unlicensed spectrum after a predetermined number of transmissions of a second type of subframe has been identified. In some embodiments, implementation, the threshold value of operations includes the number of unlock periods in the unlicensed spectrum for a certain period of time, the number of unlock periods in the unlicensed spectrum for a certain period of time, and / or the number of synchronizing (SYNC) subframes transmitted in the unlicensed spectrum for a certain period of time. In some embodiments, the device includes an eNB, and the eNB includes at least means for transmitting the first subframe and means for transmitting the second subframe.

[0008] In the third set of illustrative examples, another device for wireless communication is described. In one example, the device includes a processor, a memory in electronic communication with the processor, and instructions stored in the memory. Instructions may be executed by the processor to compare previous transmission operations in the unlicensed spectrum with the operation threshold value, transmit the first type of subframe in the unlicensed spectrum during the next active transmission when the previous transmission operations are more than the operation threshold value, and transmit the second type of subframe in the unlicensed spectrum the next active transfer when the previous transfer is less than the operation threshold. The second type of subframe includes a more reliable type of subframe relative to the first type of subframe. In some embodiments, the first type of subframe includes an LCT subframe. In some embodiments, the first type of subframe includes an NCT subframe. In some embodiments, the second type of subframe includes an LCT subframe with additional common pilot signals, as compared with the first type of subframe, for tracking and channel estimation. In some embodiments, the second type of subframe includes NCT subframes with additional common pilot signals, as compared with the first type of subframe, for tracking and channel estimation. In some embodiments, instructions are executed by the processor to transmit the first type of subframe in the unlicensed spectrum after a predetermined number of transmissions of the second type of subframe has been identified. In some embodiments, implementation, the threshold value of operations includes the number of unlock periods in the unlicensed spectrum for a certain period of time, the number of unlock periods in the unlicensed spectrum for a certain period of time, and / or the number of synchronizing (SYNC) subframes transmitted in the unlicensed spectrum for a certain period of time. In some embodiments, the processor includes an eNB processor.

[0009] In the fourth set of illustrative examples, a computer program product is described for communication by a wireless communication device in a wireless communication system. In one example, a computer program product includes a non-temporary computer-readable medium storing instructions executed by a processor to instruct the wireless communication device to compare previous transmission operations in an unlicensed spectrum with a threshold of operations to transmit the first type of subframe in an unlicensed spectrum during the next active transmission when previous transmission operations are greater than the operation threshold, and transmit the second type of subframe to unlicensed m spectrum during the next active transmission, when the previous transmission operations is less than the threshold value of the operations. The second type of subframe includes a more reliable type of subframe relative to the first type of subframe. In some embodiments, the first type of subframe includes an LCT subframe. In some embodiments, the first type of subframe includes an NCT subframe. In some embodiments, the second type of subframe includes an LCT subframe with additional common pilot signals, as compared with the first type of subframe, for tracking and channel estimation. In some embodiments, the second type of subframe includes NCT subframes with additional common pilot signals, as compared with the first type of subframe, for tracking and channel estimation. In some embodiments, instructions are executed by a processor to instruct the wireless communication device to transmit the first type of subframe in the unlicensed spectrum after a predetermined number of transmissions of the second type of subframe has been identified. In some embodiments, implementation, the threshold value of operations includes the number of unlock periods in the unlicensed spectrum for a certain period of time, the number of unlock periods in the unlicensed spectrum for a certain period of time, and / or the number of synchronizing (SYNC) subframes transmitted in the unlicensed spectrum for a certain period of time. In some embodiments, the wireless communication device includes an eNB.

[0010] In the fifth set of illustrative examples, another method for wireless communication is described. In one example, the method includes generating one or both of the signals of the physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) and the signals of the physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) based on interlaced signals that increase the nominal bandwidth occupancy in the unlicensed spectrum and transmission of the generated signals in the unlicensed spectrum. In some embodiments, interlaced signals include orthogonal frequency division multiplexed (I-OFDM) waveforms. In some embodiments, interlaced signals include frequency division multiplexed waveforms with interleaved (IFDM).

[0011] In the sixth set of illustrative examples, another device for wireless communication is described. In one example, the method includes means for generating one or both of PUCCH signals and PUSCH signals based on interleaved signals, which increase the nominal bandwidth occupancy in the unlicensed spectrum, and means for transmitting the generated signals in the unlicensed spectrum. In some embodiments, the interlaced signals include the I-OFDM waveform. In some embodiments, the interleaved signals include an IFDM waveform.

[0012] In the seventh set of illustrative examples, another device for wireless communication is described. In one example, the device includes a processor, a memory in electronic communication with the processor, and instructions stored in the memory. Instructions may be executed by the processor to form one or both of the PUCCH signals and PUSCH signals based on interleaved signals, which increase the nominal bandwidth occupancy in the unlicensed spectrum, and transmit the generated signals in the unlicensed spectrum. In some embodiments, the interlaced signals include the I-OFDM waveform. In some embodiments, the interleaved signals include an IFDM waveform.

[0013] In the eighth set of illustrative examples, a computer program product is described for communication by a wireless communication device in a wireless communication system. In one example, a computer program product includes a non-temporary computer-readable medium storing instructions executed by a processor to instruct the wireless communication device to form one or both of PUCCH signals and PUSCH signals based on interleaved signals that increase the nominal bandwidth in unlicensed spectrum, and transmit the generated signals in an unlicensed spectrum. In some embodiments, the interlaced signals include the I-OFDM waveform. In some embodiments, the interleaved signals include an IFDM waveform.

[0014] In the ninth set of illustrative examples, another method for wireless communication is described. In one example, the method includes receiving, in an unlicensed spectrum, one or both of PUCCH signals and PUSCH signals based on interleaved signals, which increase the nominal bandwidth occupancy in the unlicensed spectrum. In some embodiments, the interlaced signals include the I-OFDM waveform. In some embodiments, the interleaved signals include an IFDM waveform.

[0015] In the tenth set of illustrative examples, another device for wireless communication is described. In one example, the method includes means for receiving, in an unlicensed spectrum, one or both of PUCCH signals and PUSCH signals based on interleaved signals, which increase the nominal bandwidth occupancy in the unlicensed spectrum. In some embodiments, the interlaced signals include the I-OFDM waveform. In some embodiments, the interleaved signals include an IFDM waveform.

[0016] In the eleventh set of illustrative examples, another device for wireless communication is described. In one example, the device includes a processor, a memory in electronic communication with the processor, and instructions stored in the memory. Instructions may be executed by the processor to receive, in an unlicensed spectrum, one or both of PUCCH signals and PUSCH signals based on interleaved signals, which increase the nominal bandwidth occupancy in the unlicensed spectrum. In some embodiments, the interlaced signals include the I-OFDM waveform. In some embodiments, the interleaved signals include an IFDM waveform.

[0017] In the twelfth set of illustrative examples, a computer program product is described for communication by a wireless communication device in a wireless communication system. In one example, a computer program product includes a non-temporary machine-readable medium storing instructions executed by the processor to instruct the wireless communication device to receive, in an unlicensed spectrum, one or both of the PUCCH signals and PUSCH signals based on interleaved signals that increase nominal bandwidth occupancy in the unlicensed spectrum. In some embodiments, the interlaced signals include the I-OFDM waveform. In some embodiments, the interleaved signals include an IFDM waveform.

[0018] Above, the features and technical advantages of the examples according to the disclosure are broadly disclosed for a better understanding of the detailed description below. The following describes additional features and benefits. The concept and the specific examples disclosed can be easily used as the basis for modifying or designing other structures to achieve the identical objectives of the present disclosure. Such equivalent structures do not depart from the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Features that are considered characteristic of the principles disclosed in this document, with regard to both organization and method of operation, together with the associated benefits should be better understood from the description below, considered in connection with the attached drawings. Each of the drawings is provided only for purposes of illustration and description, and not as a definition of the limits of the claims.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0019] An additional understanding of the nature and advantages of the present disclosure may be implemented in relation to the following drawings. In the accompanying drawings, similar components and features may have identical reference signs. In addition, the various components of the same type can be distinguished by adding, after the reference designation, a dash and a second designation, which differs between similar components. If only the first reference symbol is used in the detailed description, the description applies to any of the similar components having the same first reference symbol, independently of the second reference symbol.

[0020] FIG. 1 shows a diagram that illustrates an example of a wireless communication system according to various embodiments;

[0021] FIG. 2A shows a diagram that illustrates examples of deployment scenarios for using LTE in an unlicensed spectrum according to various embodiments;

[0022] FIG. 2B shows a diagram that illustrates another example deployment scenario for using LTE in an unlicensed spectrum according to various embodiments;

[0023] FIG. 3 shows a diagram that illustrates an example of carrier aggregation using LTE simultaneously in a licensed and unlicensed spectrum according to various embodiments;

[0024] FIG. 4A is a flowchart of an example method for concurrently using LTE in a licensed and unlicensed spectrum in a base station according to various embodiments;

[0025] FIG. 4B is a flowchart of another example of a method for concurrently using LTE in a licensed and unlicensed spectrum in a base station according to various embodiments;

[0026] FIG. 5A is a flowchart of an example method for concurrently using LTE in a licensed and unlicensed spectrum in a UE according to various embodiments;

[0027] FIG. 5B is a flow diagram of yet another example of a method for concurrently using LTE in a licensed and unlicensed spectrum in a UE according to various embodiments;

[0028] FIG. 6A shows a diagram that illustrates an example of a periodic gating structure aligned with a periodic frame structure according to various embodiments;

[0029] FIG. 6B shows a diagram that illustrates an example of a periodic gating structure that is half of the periodic frame structure according to various embodiments;

[0030] FIG. 6C shows a diagram that illustrates an example of a periodic gating structure that is two times larger than the periodic frame structure according to various embodiments;

[0031] FIG. 6D shows a diagram that illustrates an example of a periodic gating structure that is smaller than a periodic frame structure according to various embodiments;

[0032] FIG. 7A shows a diagram that illustrates an example of a waveform of a periodic gating structure according to various embodiments;

[0033] FIG. 7B shows a diagram that illustrates another example of a waveform of a periodic gating structure according to various embodiments;

[0034] FIG. 8 is a flowchart of an example method for synchronizing a periodic gating structure with a periodic frame structure according to various embodiments;

[0035] FIG. 9A shows a diagram that illustrates an example of an S'-subframe in a periodic gating structure according to various embodiments;

[0036] FIG. 9B shows a diagram that illustrates an example of layout options for time slices of a channel state estimate (CCA) in an S'-subframe according to various embodiments;

[0037] FIG. 9C shows a diagram that illustrates another example of an S'-subframe in a periodic gating structure according to various embodiments;

[0038] FIG. 9D shows a diagram that illustrates another example of an S'-subframe in a periodic gating structure according to various embodiments;

[0039] FIG. 10A shows a diagram that illustrates an example of gating when a channel utilization estimate occurs at the end of a previous gating interval according to various embodiments;

[0040] FIG. 10B shows a diagram that illustrates an example of gating when a channel utilization estimate occurs at the beginning of a previous gating interval according to various embodiments;

[0041] FIG. 10C shows a diagram that illustrates an example of gating in response to Wi-Fi transmission operations according to various embodiments;

[0042] FIG. 10D shows a diagram that illustrates an example of a waveform of a 14-symbol periodic gating structure with orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) according to various embodiments;

[0043] FIG. 10E shows a diagram that illustrates another example of a waveform of a periodic gating structure with 14 OFDM symbols according to various embodiments;

[0044] FIG. 10F shows a diagram that illustrates an example of a waveform of a periodic gating structure with two subframes according to various embodiments;

[0045] FIG. 10G shows a diagram that illustrates another example of a waveform of a periodic gating structure with two subframes according to various embodiments;

[0046] FIG. 11 is a flowchart of an example method for gating a periodic structure according to various embodiments;

[0047] FIG. 12A is a flowchart of an example method for synchronizing CAA time slots for several base stations according to various embodiments;

[0048] FIG. 12B is a flowchart of another example of a method for synchronizing CAA time slots for several base stations according to various embodiments;

[0049] FIG. 13A is a flowchart of an example method for performing CAA when time CCA quanta are synchronized for multiple base stations according to various embodiments;

[0050] FIG. 13B is a flow diagram of another example of a method for performing CAA when temporal CCA quanta are synchronized for multiple base stations according to various embodiments;

[0051] FIG. 14A shows a diagram that illustrates an example of using beacon channel use (CUBS) signals to reserve a channel in an unlicensed spectrum according to various embodiments;

[0052] FIG. 14B shows a diagram that illustrates another example of using CUBS to reserve a channel in an unlicensed spectrum according to various embodiments;

[0053] FIG. 14C shows a diagram that illustrates yet another example of using CUBS to reserve a channel in an unlicensed spectrum according to various embodiments;

[0054] FIG. 15 is a flowchart of an example method for transmitting signals to reserve unlicensed spectrum according to various embodiments;

[0055] FIG. 16 shows a diagram that illustrates an example of sending feedback information in a licensed spectrum to address signals transmitted in an unlicensed spectrum according to various embodiments;

[0056] FIG. 17A is a flowchart of an example method for receiving feedback information via an uplink primary component carrier (PCC) in a licensed spectrum according to various embodiments;

[0057] FIG. 17B is a flowchart of an example method for transmitting feedback information via an uplink PCC link in a licensed spectrum according to various embodiments;

[0058] FIG. 18A shows a diagram that illustrates an example of broadcasting beacon LTE-U radio signals in an unlicensed spectrum according to various embodiments;

[0059] FIG. 18B shows a diagram that illustrates an example of operating data in a beacon LTE-U radio signal according to various embodiments;

[0060] FIG. 19A is a flowchart of an example method for broadcasting Beacon LTE-U radio signals in an unlicensed spectrum according to various embodiments;

[0061] FIG. 19B is a flowchart of another example of a method for broadcasting beacon LTE-U radio signals in an unlicensed spectrum according to various embodiments;

[0062] FIG. 20 shows a diagram that illustrates an example of ready to transmit (RTS) and ready to receive (CTS) signals in an unlicensed spectrum according to various embodiments;

[0063] FIG. 21 is a flowchart of an example method for transmitting RTS signals and receiving CTS signals in an unlicensed spectrum according to various embodiments;

[0064] FIG. 22A shows a diagram that illustrates an example of virtual CTS (V-CTS) signals in a licensed spectrum according to various embodiments;

[0065] FIG. 22B shows a diagram that illustrates an example of a virtual RTS- (V-RTS) signal and virtual V-CTS signals in a licensed spectrum according to various embodiments;

[0066] FIG. 23 is a flowchart of an example method for transmitting an RTS signal or a V-RTS signal according to various embodiments;

[0067] FIG. 24 is a flowchart of an example method for receiving V-CTS signals in response to an RTS signal or a V-RTS signal according to various embodiments;

[0068] FIG. 25 shows a diagram that illustrates an example of normal and reliable subframes in an unlicensed spectrum according to various embodiments;

[0069] FIG. 26 is a flowchart of an example method for transmitting normal or reliable subframes in an unlicensed spectrum based on previous transmission operations according to various embodiments;

[0070] FIG. 27 shows a diagram that illustrates an example of a physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) signals and a physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) signals for an unlicensed spectrum according to various embodiments;

[0071] FIG. 28 is a flowchart of an example method for generating PUCCH and / or PUSCH signals for an unlicensed spectrum according to various embodiments;

[0072] FIG. 29 shows a diagram that illustrates an example of gating based on load in an unlicensed spectrum according to various embodiments;

[0073] FIG. 30 shows a block diagram that illustrates an example of an architecture of a UE according to various embodiments;

[0074] FIG. 31 shows a block diagram that illustrates an example of a base station architecture according to various embodiments; and

[0075] FIG. 32 shows a block diagram that illustrates an example of a multi-input multi-output communication system (MIMO) according to various embodiments.

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0076] Describes the various systems, methods and devices in which the unlicensed spectrum is used for LTE communication. Various deployment scenarios may be supported, including an additional downlink mode in which the traffic of the downlink LTE link may be offloaded to the unlicensed spectrum. Carrier aggregation mode can be used to relieve downlink and uplink LTE traffic from the licensed spectrum to the unlicensed spectrum. In standalone mode, communication in the downlink and uplink LTE links between the base station (eg, eNB) and the UE may occur in the unlicensed spectrum. LTE and other base stations and UEs may support one or more of these or similar modes of operation. OFDMA communication signals can be used for communication in a downlink LTE link in an unlicensed spectrum, while SC-FDMA communication signals can be used for communication in an uplink LTE link in an unlicensed spectrum.

[0077] Operators have so far considered Wi-Fi as the primary mechanism to use unlicensed spectrum in such a way as to reduce the growing levels of congestion in cellular networks. However, LTE-based unlicensed spectrum (LTE-U) based carrier type (NCT) may be Wi-Fi compatible carrier class, which makes LTE-U an alternative to Wi-Fi. LTE-U can use LTE principles and can introduce some modifications of the physical layer (PHY) and media access control (MAC) layers of a network or network devices to provide efficient operation in an unlicensed spectrum and to meet regulatory requirements. Unlicensed spectrum can range, for example, from 600 megahertz (MHz) to 6 gigahertz (GHz). In some scenarios, LTE-U can work much better than Wi-Fi. For example, in an entire LTE-U deployment (for one or several operators), or when there are dense LTE-U deployments in small cells, LTE-U can work much better than Wi-Fi. LTE-U can also work better than Wi-Fi in other scenarios, for example, when LTE-U is mixed with Wi-Fi (for one or several operators).

[0078] For a single service provider (SP), an LTE-U network in an unlicensed spectrum can be configured to be synchronous with an LTE network in a licensed spectrum. In some embodiments, some or all of the LTE-U networks deployed on a given channel by several SPs can also be configured to be synchronous to several SPs. One approach to include both of the above features may involve the use of a constant time shift between LTE and LTE-U for a given SP. In some embodiments, some or all of the LTE-U networks deployed on a given channel by means of several SPs can be configured to be asynchronous for several SPs. The LTE-U network may provide unicast and / or multicast services according to SP needs. In addition, the LTE-U network can operate in a self-initialized mode, in which LTE cells act as bindings and provide relevant information to LTE-U cells (for example, radio frame synchronization, common channel configuration, system frame number or SFN, etc. d.) In this mode, close interworking between LTE and LTE-U can be performed. For example, the self-initialized mode may support additional downlink and carrier aggregation modes described above. The PHY-MAC levels of the LTE-U network can operate in an autonomous mode in which the LTE-U network operates independently of the LTE network. In this case, free interconnection between LTE and LTE-U can be performed, for example, on the basis of aggregation at the RLC-level with co-located LTE / LTE-U-cells or multiple stream over several cells and / or base stations.

[0079] The technologies described herein are not limited to LTE and may be used for various wireless communication systems, such as CDMA, TDMA, FDMA, OFDMA, SC-FDMA systems, and other systems. The terms "system" and "network" are often used interchangeably. A CDMA system can implement radio technology such as CDMA2000, Universal Terrestrial Radio Access (UTRA), etc. CDMA2000 covers IS-2000, IS-95 and IS-856 standards. Versions of IS-2000 0 and A are usually called CDMA2000 1X, 1X, etc. IS-856 (TIA 856) is usually called CDMA2000 1xEVDO, high-speed packet data transfer standard (HRPD), etc. UTRA includes broadband CDMA (WCDMA) and other varieties of CDMA. A TDMA system may implement a radio technology such as global system for mobile communications (GSM). An OFDMA system can implement radio technology such as ultra-wideband transmission for mobile devices (UMB), advanced UTRA (E-UTRA), IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX), IEEE 802.20, Flash-OFDM, etc. d. UTRA and E-UTRA are part of the universal mobile telecommunications system (UMTS). LTE and LTE Advanced Standard (LTE-A) are newer versions of UMTS that use E-UTRA. UTRA, E-UTRA, UMTS, LTE, LTE-A and GSM are described in documents from an organization called the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). CDMA2000 and UMB are described in documents from an organization named Third Generation Partnership Project 2 (3GPP2). The technologies described in this document may be used for the radiocommunication systems and technologies mentioned above, as well as for other radiocommunication systems and technologies. However, the following description is explained in the LTE system for purposes of example, and LTE terminology is used in much of the description below, although the technologies are applicable beyond LTE-based use cases. In this description, communication based on the LTE Advanced Standard (LTE-A) is considered a subset of LTE communication, and therefore LTE-communication references cover LTE-A communication.

[0080] The following description provides examples and does not limit the scope, applicability, or configuration set forth in the claims. Changes can be made to the function and layout of the explained elements without departing from the essence and scope of the disclosure. Various embodiments may omit, replace, or add different procedures or components as appropriate. For example, the methods described may be performed in an order other than the order described, and the various steps may be added, omitted, or combined. In addition, the functions described with respect to specific embodiments may be combined in other embodiments.

[0081] First, referring to FIG. 1, a diagram illustrates an example of a wireless communication system or network 100. System 100 includes base stations 105 (or cells), communication devices 115, and core network 130. Base stations 105 may communicate with communications devices 115 under the control of a base station controller (not shown), which may form part of core network 130 or stations 105 in various embodiments. Base stations 105 may exchange control information and / or user data with core network 130 through transit links 132. In embodiments, base stations 105 may communicate directly or indirectly with each other over transit links 134, which may be wired or wireless links. System 100 can support multi-carrier operation (waveforms of different frequencies). Multi-carrier transmitters can transmit modulated signals simultaneously on multiple carriers. For example, each link 125 may be a multi-carrier signal modulated according to the various radio technologies described above. Each modulated signal can be sent on a different carrier and can carry control information (for example, reference signals, control channels, etc.), overhead information, data, etc.

[0082] Base stations 105 may wirelessly communicate with devices 115 via one or more base station antennas. Each of the nodes of base station 105 may provide communication coverage for a corresponding geographic area 110. In some embodiments, base stations 105 may be referred to as a base transceiver station, radio base station, access point, radio transceiver, base set of services (BSS ) Extended Service Set (ESS), Node B, Enhanced Node B (eNB), Native Node B, Native Enhanced Node B, or some other suitable term. Coverage area 110 for a base station can be divided into sectors that make up only part of the coverage area (not shown). The system 100 may include base stations 105 of various types (for example, basic macro, micro, and / or pico stations). Overlapping coverage areas for various technologies may be envisaged.

[0083] In some embodiments, system 100 may be an LTE / LTE-A network that supports one or more modes of operation or LTE-U deployment scenarios. In other embodiments, system 100 may support wireless communication using an unlicensed spectrum and an access technology other than LTE-U, or a licensed spectrum and access technology other than LTE / LTE-A. The terms "enhanced node B (eNB)" and subscriber unit (UE) ", in General, can be used to describe the base station 105 and device 115, respectively. System 100 may be a heterogeneous LTE / LTE-A / LTE-U network, in which various types of eNBs provide coverage for different geographic regions. For example, each eNB 105 may provide communication coverage for macro cell, pico cell, femto cell, and / or other cell types. Small cells, such as pico cells, femto cells, and / or other types of cells, may include low power nodes, or LPNs. A macrocell generally covers a relatively large geographic area (for example, within a radius of several kilometers) and may allow unrestricted access by a UE with a subscription to a network service provider. A pico cell should generally cover a relatively smaller geographic area and may allow unrestricted access by a UE with a subscription to the service provider’s network services. A femtocell should also generally cover a relatively small geographic area (eg, a house) and, in addition to unlimited access, can also provide limited access by UEs associated with a femtocell (eg, UEs in a closed subscriber group (CSG), UEs in the house, etc.). The ENB for a macro cell may be referred to as macro eNB. ENB for pico cell may be referred to as pico eNB. In addition, an eNB for a femtocell may be referred to as a femto-eNB, or its own eNB. The ENB may support one or several (for example, two, three, four, etc.) cells.

[0084] The core network 130 may communicate with the eNB 105 via a transit connection 132 (eg, S1, etc.). ENB 105 may also communicate with each other, for example, directly or indirectly via transit links 134 (eg, X2, etc.) and / or via transit links 132 (eg, via core network 130). System 100 may support synchronous or asynchronous operation. For synchronous operation, eNBs may have similar frame synchronization and / or gating synchronization, and transmissions from different eNBs may be approximately aligned in time. For asynchronous operation, eNBs may have different frame synchronization and / or gating synchronization, and transmissions from different eNBs may not be aligned in time. The technologies described in this document can be used for synchronous or asynchronous operation.

[0085] UE 115 may be distributed across system 100, and each UE may be stationary or mobile. UE 115 may also be referred to by those skilled in the art as a mobile station, subscriber station, mobile module, subscriber device, wireless module, remote module, mobile device, wireless device, wireless communication device, remote device, mobile subscriber station, access terminal, mobile a terminal, a wireless terminal, a remote terminal, a portable telephone, a user agent, a mobile client, a client, or some other appropriate term. The UE may be a cellular phone, a personal digital device (PDA), a wireless modem, a wireless device, a handheld device, a tablet computer, a laptop computer, a wireless phone, a wireless subscriber station (WLL), and the like. The UE may be able to exchange data with macro eNB, pico eNB, femto eNB, repeaters, etc.

[0086] Communication lines 125 shown in system 100 may include uplink (UL) transmissions from mobile device 115 to base station 105 and / or downlink (DL) transmissions from base station 105 to mobile device 115. Downlink transmissions may also be referred to as forward link transmissions, while uplink transmissions may also be referred to as reverse link transmissions. Downlink transmissions may be carried out using a licensed spectrum (eg, LTE), unlicensed spectrum (eg, LTE-U), or both (LTE / LTE-U). Similarly, transmissions on the uplink can be carried out using a licensed spectrum (for example, LTE), an unlicensed spectrum (for example, LTE-U), or both (LTE / LTE-U).

[0087] In some embodiments of the system 100, various deployment scenarios for LTE-U may be supported, including an additional downlink mode in which the downlink LTE link capacity in the licensed spectrum may be offloaded to the unlicensed spectrum, aggregation mode carrier, in which the downlink and uplink LTE link capacity can be unloaded from the licensed spectrum to the unlicensed spectrum, and an autonomous mode, in which the communication is in descending s and uplink LTE-link between the base station (e.g., eNB) and UE can be implemented in unlicensed spectrum. Base stations 105 as well as UE 115 may support one or more of these or similar modes of operation. OFDMA communication signals may be used on communication lines 125 for transmissions on a downlink LTE link in an unlicensed spectrum, while SC-FDMA communication signals can be used on links 125 for transmissions on an uplink LTE link in an unlicensed spectrum. Additional details regarding the implementation of deployment scenarios or LTE-U operation modes in a system such as system 100, as well as other features and functions associated with the LTE-U operation, are provided below with reference to FIG. 2A-32.

[0088] Referring next to FIG. 2A, circuit 200 shows examples of the additional downlink mode and carrier aggregation mode for an LTE network that supports LTE-U. Scheme 200 may be an example of parts of the system 100 of FIG. 1. In addition, base station 105-a may be an example of base stations 105 of FIG. 1, while UE 115-a may be examples of UE 115 of FIG. one.

[0089] In the example of the additional downlink mode shown in scheme 200, base station 105-a can transmit OFDMA communication signals to UE 115-a using downlink communication 205. Downlink 205 may be associated with the frequency F1 in the unlicensed spectrum. Base station 105-a may transmit OFDMA communication signals to the identical UE 115-a using the bidirectional communication link 210 and may receive SC-FDMA communication signals from that UE 115-a using the bidirectional communication link 210. Bidirectional link 210 may be associated with the F4 frequency in the licensed spectrum. A downlink communication line 205 in an unlicensed spectrum and a bidirectional communication line 210 in a licensed spectrum can operate simultaneously. Downlink 205 may provide downlink bandwidth offload for base station 105-a. In some embodiments, the downlink communication 205 may be used for unicast services (eg, addressed to one UE) or multicast services (eg, addressed to multiple UEs). This scenario can occur with any service provider (for example, a traditional mobile, communications or MNO network operator) that uses a licensed spectrum and has to reduce some of the congestion in traffic transmission and / or transmission of service signals in the licensed spectrum.

[0090] In one example of the carrier aggregation mode shown in diagram 200, base station 105-a may transmit OFDMA communication signals to UE 115-a using bidirectional communication line 215 and may receive SC-FDMA communication signals from identical UE 115 -a using bidirectional communication line 215. Bidirectional link line 215 may be associated with the frequency F1 in the unlicensed spectrum. Base station 105-a may also transmit OFDMA communication signals to the identical UE 115-a using the bidirectional communication link 220 and may receive SC-FDMA communication signals from the identical UE 115-a using the bi-directional communication link 220. Bidirectional link 220 may be associated with the F2 frequency in the licensed spectrum. Bidirectional link 215 may provide unloading of downlink and uplink bandwidth for base station 105-a. Similar to the additional downlink described above, this scenario can occur with any service provider (for example, MNO) that uses a licensed spectrum and has to reduce some of the congestion in traffic transmission and / or signaling.

[0091] In another example of carrier aggregation mode shown in scheme 200, base station 105-a can transmit OFDMA communication signals to UE 115-a using bidirectional communication line 225 and can receive SC-FDMA communication signals from identical UE 115 -a using bidirectional communication line 225. Bidirectional link line 215 may be associated with frequency F3 in the unlicensed spectrum. Base station 105-a may also transmit OFDMA communication signals to the same UE 115-a using the bidirectional communication link 230 and may receive SC-FDMA communication signals from the identical UE 115-a using the bi-directional communication link 230. Bidirectional link 230 may be associated with a frequency F2 in the licensed spectrum. Bidirectional link 225 may provide unloading of downlink and uplink bandwidth for base station 105-a. This example and the examples provided above are presented as an illustration, and other similar operation modes or deployment scenarios can be provided that combine LTE and LTE-U to offload bandwidth.

[0092] As described above, a typical service provider that can benefit from bandwidth offload offered by using LTE-U (LTE in an unlicensed spectrum) is a traditional MNO with a licensed LTE spectrum. For these service providers, the functional configuration may include a self-initialized mode (eg, additional downlink, carrier aggregation) that uses LTE-Primary Component Carrier (PCC) in the licensed spectrum and LTE-U secondary Component Carrier in the unlicensed spectrum .

[0093] In the additional downlink mode, control for the LTE-U may be transported over the uplink LTE link (eg, in the uplink portion of the bidirectional link 210). One of the reasons to provide offloading of downlink capacity is that the need for data is largely due to the downlink consumption. In addition, in this mode, there may be no regulatory effect, since the UE does not transmit in the unlicensed spectrum. In some embodiments, implementation, there may be no need to implement the requirements of the principle “listen before you say” (LBT) or Carrier Sense Multiple Access (CSMA) in a UE. However, LBT can be implemented in a base station (for example, eNB), for example, by using periodic (for example, every 10 milliseconds) channel state estimation (CCA) and / or “capture and release” mechanism combined with the radio frame boundary.

[0094] In carrier aggregation mode, data and control can be transmitted in LTE (for example, bidirectional links 210, 220 and 230), while data can be transferred in LTE-U (for example, bidirectional links 215 and 225). Carrier aggregation mechanisms supported using LTE-U can be split into hybrid carrier aggregation based on frequency division multiplexing / time division duplex (FDD-TDD) or TDD-TDD carrier aggregation with different symmetries via component carriers.

[0095] FIG. 2B shows a diagram 200-a, which illustrates an example of autonomous mode for LTE-U. Scheme 200-a may be an example of parts of the system 100 of FIG. 1. In addition, base station 105-b may be an example of base stations 105 of FIG. 1 and base station 105-a of FIG. 2A, while UE 115-b may be an example of UE 115 of FIG. 1 and / or UE 115-a of FIG. 2A.

[0096] In the example of the autonomous mode shown in scheme 200-a, base station 105-b can transmit OFDMA communication signals to UE 115-b using bidirectional communication line 240 and can receive SC-FDMA communication signals from UE 115- b using bidirectional communication line 240. Bidirectional link 240 may be associated with frequency F3 in the unlicensed spectrum described above with reference to FIG. 2A. Offline mode can be used in non-traditional wireless access scenarios, for example, in stadium access scenarios (for example, unicast, multicast). A typical service provider for this mode of operation may be a stadium owner, a cable company, an event company, a hotel, an organization, and / or a large corporation that does not have a licensed spectrum. For these service providers, the functional configuration for offline mode may use LTE-U PCC in the unlicensed spectrum. In addition, LBT can be implemented in both the base station and the UE.

[0097] Referring next to FIG. 3, diagram 300 illustrates an example of carrier aggregation using LTE simultaneously in a licensed and unlicensed spectrum according to various embodiments. The carrier aggregation scheme in scheme 300 may correspond to the hybrid carrier FDD-TDD aggregation described above with reference to FIG. 2A. This type of carrier aggregation can be used at least in parts of the system 100 of FIG. 1. In addition, this type of carrier aggregation can be used in base stations 105 and 105-a of FIG. 1 and FIG. 2A, respectively, and / or in UEs 115 and 115-a of FIG. 1 and FIG. 2A, respectively.

[0098] In this example, FDD (FDD-LTE) can be performed in conjunction with LTE in the downlink, the first TDD (TDD1) can be performed in communication with LTE-U, the second TDD (TDD2) can be performed in connection with LTE and another FDD (FDD-LTE) may be performed in connection with LTE in the uplink. TDD1 leads to a DL: UL ratio of 6: 4, while the ratio for TDD2 is 7: 3. On the timeline, the various effective DL: UL ratios are 3: 1, 1: 3, 2: 2, 3: 1, 2: 2 and 3: 1. This example is presented as an illustration, and there may be other carrier aggregation schemes that combine LTE and LTE-U operations.

[0099] FIG. 4A shows a flowchart of a method 400 for concurrently using LTE in a licensed and unlicensed spectrum by a first wireless node (eg, a base station or an eNB) according to various embodiments. The method 400 may be implemented using, for example, base stations or eNBs 105, 105-a and 105-b of FIG. 1, fig. 2A and FIG. 2B, respectively; and / or systems 100 of FIG. 1 and parts of the system 200 and / or 200-a of FIG. 2A and FIG. 2b. In one implementation, one of the base stations or eNB 105 may perform one or more sets of codes in order to control the functional elements of the base stations or eNB 105 in such a way as to perform the functions described below.

[0100] In step 405, a first OFDMA communication signal may be transmitted to a second wireless node (eg, UE 115) in the licensed spectrum. At step 410, the second OFDMA communication signal may be transmitted to the second wireless node in the unlicensed spectrum simultaneously with the transmission of the first OFDMA communication signal. In some embodiments, the first and second OFDMA communication signals may be transmitted from at least one base station or eNB.

[0101] In some embodiments of method 400, transmitting a second OFDMA communication signal in an unlicensed spectrum can be time synchronized with transmitting a first OFDMA communication signal in a licensed spectrum with a fixed offset between the frame structure of the first OFDMA communication signal and the frame structure of the second OFDMA signal -connection. In some embodiments, the implementation, a fixed offset may be zero or almost zero.

[0102] In some embodiments of method 400, the first SC-FDMA communication signal may be received from the second wireless node in the licensed spectrum simultaneously with the transmission of the first and second OFDMA communication signals. The first SC-FDMA communication signal received from the second wireless node in the licensed spectrum may carry signaling or other control information associated with the second OFDMA communication signal transmitted in the unlicensed spectrum. The method may include receiving, at the same time as transmitting the first and second OFDMA communication signals, a second SC-FDMA communication signal from the second wireless node in the unlicensed spectrum. The method may include receiving, at the same time, transmitting the first and second OFDMA communication signals, the first SC-FDMA communication signal from the licensed spectrum and the second SC-FDMA communication signal from the UE in the unlicensed spectrum. In some embodiments, each of the first and second OFDMA communication signals may include an LTE signal.

[0103] FIG. 4B shows a flowchart of a method 400-a for parallelly using LTE in a licensed and unlicensed spectrum by a first wireless node (eg, a base station or an eNB) according to various embodiments. Method 400-a, similarly to method 400 above, may be implemented using, for example, base stations or eNBs 105, 105-a and 105-b of FIG. 1, fig. 2A and FIG. 2B, respectively; and / or systems 100 of FIG. 1 and parts of the system 200 and / or 200-a of FIG. 2A and FIG. 2b. In one implementation, one of the base stations or eNB 105 may perform one or more sets of codes in order to control the functional elements of the base station or eNB 105 in such a way as to perform the functions described below.

[0104] In step 415, the first SC-FDMA communication signal may be received from the second wireless node (eg, UE 115) in the licensed spectrum.

[0105] At step 420, the second SC-FDMA communication signal may be received from the second wireless node in the unlicensed spectrum simultaneously with the reception of the first OFDMA communication signal. In some embodiments, the first and second signals of the SC-FDMA communication may be received from at least one UE. In some embodiments, the implementation of the first and second signals SC-FDMA communication may include an LTE signal.

[0106] FIG. 5A shows a flow diagram of a method 500 for using LTE in parallel in a licensed and unlicensed spectrum by a first wireless node (eg, UE) according to various embodiments. Method 500 may be implemented using, for example, UE 115, 115-a and 115-b of FIG. 1, fig. 2A and FIG. 2B, respectively; and / or systems 100 of FIG. 1 and parts of the system 200 and / or 200-a of FIG. 2A and FIG. 2b. In one implementation, one of the UE 115 may perform one or more code sets in order to control the functional elements of the UE 115 in such a way as to perform the functions described below.

[0107] In step 505, a first OFDMA communication signal may be received from a second wireless node (eg, a base station or eNB 105) in a licensed spectrum.

[0108] In step 510, the second OFDMA communication signal may be received from the second wireless node in the unlicensed spectrum simultaneously with the reception of the first OFDMA communication signal. In some embodiments, the first and second OFDMA signals may be received at the UE.

[0109] In some embodiments of the method 500, the first SC-FDMA communication signal may be transmitted to the second wireless node in the licensed spectrum simultaneously with the reception of the first and second OFDMA communication signals. The first SC-FDMA communication signal received at the second wireless node in the licensed spectrum can carry signaling or other control information associated with the second OFDMA signal received in the unlicensed spectrum. The method may include transmitting, at the same time, receiving the first and second OFDMA communication signals, a second SC-FDMA communication signal to the second wireless node in the unlicensed spectrum. The method may include transmitting, simultaneously with receiving the first and second OFDMA communication signals, the first SC-FDMA communication signal to the second wireless node in the licensed spectrum and the second SC-FDMA communication signal to the second wireless node in the unlicensed spectrum. Each of the first and second OFDMA communication signals may include an LTE signal.

[0110] FIG. 5B shows a flowchart of a method 500-a for using LTE in parallel in a licensed and unlicensed spectrum by a first wireless node (eg, UE) according to various embodiments. Method 500-a, similarly to method 500 above, may be implemented using, for example, UE 115, 115-a and 115-b of FIG. 1, fig. 2A and FIG. 2B, respectively; and / or systems 100 of FIG. 1 and parts of the system 200 and / or 200-a of FIG. 2A and FIG. 2b. In one implementation, one of the UE 115 may perform one or more code sets in order to control the functional elements of the UE 115 in such a way as to perform the functions described below.

[0111] At step 515, the first SC-FDMA communication signal may be transmitted to a second wireless node (eg, base station or eNB 105) in the licensed spectrum.

[0112] At step 520, the second SC-FDMA communication signal may be transmitted to the second wireless node in the unlicensed spectrum simultaneously with the transmission of the first SC-FDMA communication signal. In some embodiments, the implementation of the first and second signals SC-FDMA communication can be transmitted from the UE. In some embodiments, the implementation of the first and second signals SC-FDMA communication may include an LTE signal.

[0113] In some embodiments, a transmitting device, such as a base station, an eNB 105, a UE 115 (or a transmitting device of a transmitting device) may use a gating interval to gain access to an unlicensed spectrum channel. The gating interval can specify the application of a competitive protocol, such as a listen-before-say (LBT) protocol, based on the LBT protocol specified in the ETSI (EN 301 893). When using a gating interval that specifies the use of the LBT protocol, the gating interval may indicate when the transmitting device should perform a channel state estimation (CCA). The result of the CCA indicates to the transmitter that the unlicensed spectrum channel is available or in use. When the CCA indicates that the channel is available (e.g., "idle" for use), the gating interval may allow the transmitting device to use the channel, typically for a predetermined period of time. When the CCA indicates that the channel is not available (for example, used or reserved), the gating interval may prevent the channel from being used by the transmitter for a certain period of time.

[0114] In some cases, it may be useful for the transmitter to form a gating interval on a periodic basis and synchronize at least one border of the gating interval with at least one border of the periodic frame structure. For example, it may be useful to form a periodic gating interval for the downlink in an unlicensed spectrum and synchronize at least one boundary of the periodic gating interval with at least one periodic frame structure boundary associated with the downlink. Examples of such synchronization are illustrated in FIG. 6A, 6B, 6C and 6D.

[0115] FIG. 6A illustrates the first example 600 of a periodic gating interval 605 for transmissions (uplink and / or downlink) in an unlicensed spectrum. A gated periodic interval 605 may be used by an eNB that supports LTE-U (LTE-U eNB). Examples of such an eNB may be the base stations 105, 105-a and 105-b of FIG. 1, fig. 2A and FIG. 2B, respectively. Gating interval 605 may be used with system 100 of FIG. 1 and with parts of the system 200 and / or 200-a shown in FIG. 2A and FIG. 2b.

[0116] As an example, the duration of the periodic gating interval 605 is shown to be equal to (or approximately equal to) the duration of the periodic structure 610 of the frame. In some embodiments, the periodic frame structure 610 may be associated with a downlink primary component carrier (PCC). In some embodiments, “approximately equal” means that the duration of the periodic gating interval 605 is within the duration of the cyclic prefix (CP) for the duration of the periodic frame structure 610.

[0117] At least one boundary of the periodic gating interval 605 may be synchronized with at least one boundary of the periodic structure 610 of the frame. In some cases, the periodic gating interval 605 may have boundaries that are aligned with the frame boundaries for the periodic frame structure 610. In other cases, the periodic gating interval 605 may have boundaries that are synchronized but offset from the frame boundaries for the periodic structure 610 of the frame. For example, the borders of the periodic gating interval 605 may be aligned with the subframe boundaries for the periodic frame structure 610 or with the midpoint points of the subframes (for example, the midpoints of specific subframes) of the periodic frame 610.

[0118] In some cases, each periodic frame structure 610 may include an LTE radio frame (eg, LTE radio frame (N-1), LTE radio frame (N), or LTE radio frame (N + 1)). Each LTE radio frame may have a duration of ten milliseconds, and the periodic gating interval 605 may also have a duration of ten milliseconds. In these cases, the borders of the periodic gating interval 605 can be synchronized with the boundaries (for example, frame boundaries, subframe boundaries or midpoint points of subframes) of one of the LTE radio frames (eg, LTE radio frame (N)).

[0119] FIG. 6B illustrates a second gating example 600-a of gating periodic interval 605-a for transmissions (on the uplink and / or downlink) in the unlicensed spectrum. A gating periodic interval 605-a may be used by an eNB that supports LTE-U (LTE-U eNB). Examples of such an eNB may be the base stations 105, 105-a and 105-b of FIG. 1, fig. 2A and FIG. 2B, respectively. Gating interval 605 may be used with system 100 of FIG. 1 and with parts of the system 200 and / or 200-a shown in FIG. 2A and FIG. 2b.

[0120] As an example, the duration of the gating periodic interval 605-a is shown as a subfold number (or an approximate subfold number) of the duration of the periodic frame structure 610. In some embodiments, an approximate sub-number means that the duration of the periodic gating interval 605-a is within the duration of the cyclic prefix (CP) to the length of the sub-multiple (for example, half) of the periodic frame structure 610.

[0121] At least one boundary of the periodic gating interval 605-a may be synchronized with at least one boundary of the periodic frame structure 610. In some cases, the periodic gating interval 605-a may have a front or rear border that is aligned with the front or rear frame border for the periodic frame structure 610. In other cases, the periodic gating interval 605-a may have boundaries that are synchronized but offset from each of the frame boundaries for the periodic structure 610 of the frame. For example, the gates of the periodic gating interval 605-a may be aligned with the subframe boundaries for the periodic frame structure 610 or with the midpoint boundaries of subframes (eg, mid points of specific subframes) of the periodic frame structure 610.

[0122] In some cases, each periodic frame structure 610 may include an LTE radio frame (eg, LTE radio frame (N-1), LTE radio frame (N), or LTE radio frame (N + 1)). Each LTE radio frame may have a duration of ten milliseconds, and the periodic gating interval 605-a may have a duration of five milliseconds. In these cases, the gates of the periodic gating interval 605-a can be synchronized with the boundaries (for example, frame boundaries, subframe boundaries or midpoint boundaries of subframes) of one of the LTE radio frames (eg, LTE radio frame (N)). The gating periodic interval 605-a can then be repeated, for example, each periodic frame structure 610, several times each periodic structure several times each periodic frame structure 610 (for example, two times) or once in the Nth periodic frame structure 610 (for example, for N = 2, 3, ...).

[0123] FIG. 6C illustrates a third gating example 600-b of a periodic gating interval 605-b for transmissions (on the uplink and / or downlink) in the unlicensed spectrum. A gating periodic interval 605-b may be used by an eNB that supports LTE-U (LTE-U eNB). Examples of such an eNB may be the base stations 105, 105-a and 105-b of FIG. 1, fig. 2A and FIG. 2B, respectively. Gating interval 605 may be used with system 100 of FIG. 1 and with parts of the system 200 and / or 200-a shown in FIG. 2A and FIG. 2b.

[0124] As an example, the duration of the periodic gating interval 605-b is shown as an integer multiple (or approximate integer multiple) of the duration of the periodic frame structure 610. In some embodiments, an “approximate integer multiple” means that the duration of the periodic gating interval 605-b is within the duration of the cyclic prefix (CP) to an integer multiple (for example, twice) of the duration of the periodic structure 610 frame.

[0125] At least one boundary of the periodic gating interval 605-b may be synchronized with at least one boundary of the periodic frame structure 610. In some cases, the periodic gating interval 605-b may have a front border and a rear border that are aligned with the corresponding front or rear frame borders for the periodic frame structure 610. In other cases, the periodic gating interval 605-b may have boundaries that are synchronized but offset from the frame boundary for the periodic frame structure 610. For example, the gates of the periodic gating interval 605-b may be aligned with the subframe boundaries for the periodic frame structure 610 or with the midpoint boundaries of subframes (for example, the midpoints of specific subframes) of the periodic frame structure 610.

[0126] In some cases, each periodic frame structure 610 may include an LTE radio frame (eg, LTE radio frame (N-1), LTE radio frame (N), or LTE radio frame (N + 1)). Each LTE radio frame may have a duration of ten milliseconds, and a periodic gating interval 605-b may have a duration of twenty milliseconds. In these cases, the borders of the periodic gating interval 605-b can be synchronized with the boundaries (for example, frame boundaries, subframe boundaries or midpoint boundaries of subframes) of one or two LTE radio frames (eg, LTE radio frame (N) and LTE radio frame N + 1)).

[0127] FIG. 6D illustrates a fourth gating example 600-c of a periodic gating interval 605-c for transmissions (on the uplink and / or downlink) in the unlicensed spectrum. A gating periodic interval 605-c may be used by an eNB that supports LTE-U (LTE-U eNB). Examples of such an eNB may be the base stations 105, 105-a and 105-b of FIG. 1, fig. 2A and FIG. 2B, respectively. Gating interval 605 may be used with system 100 of FIG. 1 and with parts of the system 200 and / or 200-a shown in FIG. 2A and FIG. 2b.

[0128] As an example, the duration of the periodic gating interval 605-c is shown as a subfold number (or an approximate subfold number) of the duration of the periodic frame structure 610. The sub-number may be one tenth of the duration of the periodic structure 610 frame.

[0129] At least one boundary of the periodic gating interval 605-c may be synchronized with at least one boundary of the periodic frame structure 610. In some cases, the periodic gating interval 605-c may have a front or rear border, which is aligned with the front or rear frame border for the periodic frame structure 610. In other cases, the periodic gating interval 605-c may have boundaries that are synchronized but offset from each of the frame boundaries for the periodic structure 610 of the frame. For example, the borders of the periodic gating interval 605-c may be aligned with the subframe boundaries for the periodic frame structure 610 or with the midpoint boundaries of subframes (for example, the midpoints of specific subframes) of the periodic frame structure 610.

[0130] In some cases, each periodic frame structure 610 may include an LTE radio frame (eg, LTE radio frame (N-1), LTE radio frame (N), or LTE radio frame (N + 1)). Each LTE radio frame may have a duration of ten milliseconds, and a periodic gating interval 605-c may have a duration of one millisecond (for example, a duration of one subframe). In these cases, the borders of the periodic gating interval 605-c can be synchronized with the boundaries (eg, frame boundaries, subframe boundaries or midpoint boundaries of subframes) of one of the LTE radio frames (eg, LTE radio frame (N)). The periodic gating interval 605-c can then be repeated, for example, each periodic frame structure 610, several times each periodic frame structure 610 or once in the Nth periodic frame structure 610 (for example, for N = 2, 3, ...) .

[0131] FIG. 7A illustrates the fifth gating example 700 of the periodic gating interval 605-d-1 for transmissions (uplink and / or downlink) in the unlicensed spectrum. The gating periodic interval 605-d-1 may be used by an eNB that supports LTE-U (LTE-U eNB). Examples of such an eNB may be the base stations 105, 105-a and 105-b of FIG. 1, fig. 2A and FIG. 2B, respectively. The gating interval 605-d-1 may be used with the system 100 of FIG. 1 and with parts of the system 200 and / or 200-a shown in FIG. 2A and FIG. 2b.

[0132] As an example, the duration of the gating periodic interval 605-d-1 is shown to be (or approximately equal) the duration of the periodic structure 610-a frame. In some embodiments, a periodic frame structure 610-a may be associated with a downlink primary component carrier (PCC). The borders of the periodic gating interval 605-d-1 can be synchronized (for example, aligned) with the borders of the periodic structure 610-a of the frame.

[0133] The frame periodic structure 610-a may include an LTE radio frame having ten subframes (eg, SF0, SF1, ..., SF9). The SF0-SF8 subframes can be downlink subframes 710 (D), and the SF9 subframe can be a special (S ') subframe 715. The D and / or S'-subframes 710 and / or 715 can set the channel time together The LTE radio frame, and at least part of the S'-subframe 715, may specify a channel inactivity time. According to the current LTE standard, the LTE radio frame may have a maximum channel busy time (activation time) between one and 9.5 milliseconds and a minimum channel idle time (deactivation time) at five percent of the channel busy time (for example, at least 50 microseconds). In order to comply with the LTE standard, a gating periodic interval 605-d may comply with these requirements of the LTE standard by providing a guard period of 0.5 millisecond (i.e., deactivation time) as part of the S'-subframe 715.

[0134] Since the S'-subframe 715 has a duration of one millisecond, it may include one or more time CCA quanta 720 (for example, time quanta) in which transmitters competing for a particular unlicensed spectrum channel can CCA. When a transmitter's CCA indicates that a channel is available, but a device's CCA ends before the end of the gating periodic interval 605-d-1, the device can transmit one or more signals in order to reserve the channel until the end of the gating periodic interval . The one or more signals may in some instances include channel utilization pilots (CUPS) or channel utilization beacons 730 (CUBS). CUBS 730 is described in detail later in this description, but can be used for both channel synchronization and channel redundancy. In other words, a device that performs CCA for a channel after another device starts transmitting CUBS over the channel can detect the energy of the CUBS 730 and determine that the channel is currently unavailable.

[0135] After successful completion by the CCA transmitter for the channel and / or transmission of CUBS 730 over the channel, the transmitter can use the channel for up to a predetermined period of time (for example, one gating interval or one LTE radio frame) to transmit the form signal (for example, form 740 signal based on LTE).

[0136] FIG. 7B illustrates the sixth gating example 705 of the periodic gating interval 605-d-2 for transmissions (on the uplink and / or downlink) in the unlicensed spectrum. The gating periodic interval 605-d-2 may be used by an eNB or a UE that supports LTE-U (LTE-U eNB or LTE-U UE). Examples of such an eNB may be the base stations 105, 105-a and 105-b of FIG. 1, fig. 2A and FIG. 2B, respectively, and examples of such a UE may be the UEs 115, 115-a, and 115-b of FIG. 1. The gating interval 605-d-2 may be used with the system 100 of FIG. 1 and with parts of the system 200 and / or 200-a shown in FIG. 2A and FIG. 2b.

[0137] As an example, the duration of the gating periodic interval 605-d-2 is shown to be (or approximately equal to) the duration of the periodic structure 610-a frame. In some embodiments, a periodic frame structure 610-a may be associated with a downlink primary component carrier (PCC). The boundaries of the periodic interval 605-d-2 gating can be synchronized (for example, combined) with the boundaries of the periodic structure 610-a frame.

[0138] The periodic structure 610-b of a frame may include an LTE radio frame having ten subframes (eg, SF0, SF1, ..., SF9). Subframes SF0-SF4 may be downlink subframes 710 (D); SF5 subframe may be a special (S) subframe 735; SF6-SF8 subframes may be uplink (U) subframes 745; and the SF9 subframe may be a special (S ') subframe 715. The D-, S-, U- and / or S'-subframes 710, 735, 745 and / or 715 can jointly set the busy time of the LTE radio frame and at least part of the S-subframe 735 and / or S'-subframe 715 can specify the channel idle time. According to the current LTE standard, the LTE radio frame may have a maximum channel busy time (activation time) between one and 9.5 milliseconds and a minimum channel idle time (deactivation time) at five percent of the channel busy time (for example, at least 50 microseconds). To ensure compliance with the LTE standard, the gating periodic interval 605-d-2 may comply with these requirements of the LTE standard by providing a guard period or a silence period of 0.5 millisecond (ie, deactivation time) as part of S-subframe 735 and / or S'-subframe 715.

[0139] Since the S'-subframe 715 has a duration of one millisecond, it may include one or more time CCA quanta 720 (for example, time quanta) in which transmitters competing for a particular unlicensed spectrum channel can perform their CCA. When a transmitter CCA indicates that a channel is available, but a device CCA ends before the end of the periodic gating interval 605-d-2, the device can transmit one or more signals in order to reserve a channel until the end of the periodic gating interval 605-d-2 . One or more signals in some cases may include CUPS or CUBS 730. CUBS 730 is described in detail later in this description, but can be used both for channel synchronization and for channel redundancy. In other words, a device that performs CCA for a channel after another device starts transmitting CUBS over the channel can detect the energy of the CUBS 730 and determine that the channel is currently unavailable.

[0140] After successful completion by the CCA transmitter for a channel and / or transmission of CUBS 730 over the channel, the transmitter can use the channel for up to a predetermined period of time (for example, one gating interval or one LTE radio frame) to transmit the form signal (for example, form 740 signal based on LTE).

[0141] When an unlicensed spectrum channel is reserved, for example, by a base station or an eNB during a gating interval or LTE radio frame, the base station or eNB may in some cases reserve a channel to use time division multiplexing (TDM). In these examples, the base station or eNB can transmit data in a certain number of D-subframes (for example, in SF0-SF4 subframes) and then enable the UE, with which it is communicating, to perform CCA 750 (for example, uplink CCA) in S-subframe (for example, in an SF5 subframe). When the CCA 750 completes successfully, the UE may transmit data to the base station or eNB in a certain number of U-subframes (for example, in SF6-SF8 subframes).

[0142] When the gating interval specifies the use of the LBT protocol specified in the ETSI (EN 301 893), the gating interval may take the form of a gating interval for stationary LBT devices (LBT-FBE) or a gating interval for devices based on LBT load (LBT- LBE). The LBT-FBE gating interval may have a fixed / periodic synchronization and cannot be directly influenced by a traffic request (for example, its synchronization may be changed by reconfiguring). In contrast, the LBT-LBE gating interval may not have a fixed synchronization (i.e., be asynchronous), and it may be significantly affected by the traffic request. FIG. 6A, 6B, 6C, 6D and 7 illustrate an example of a periodic gating interval 605, and this periodic gating interval 605 may be an LBT-FBE gating interval. The potential advantage of the periodic gating interval 605 described with reference to FIG. 6A, is that it allows you to keep the structure of the LTE radio frame of ten milliseconds, as specified in the current LTE specifications. However, when the duration of the gating interval is less than the duration of the LTE radio frame (for example, as described with reference to Fig. 6B or 6D), the advantages of maintaining the structure of the LTE radio frame no longer exist, and the LBT-LBE gating interval may be advantageous. The potential advantage of using the LBT-LBE-interval gating is that it allows you to save the structure of the LTE subframe PHY-channels without thinning characters at the beginning or at the end of the gating interval. However, the potential disadvantage of using the LBT-LBE gating interval is the inability to synchronize the use of the gating interval between different LTE-U operator eNBs (for example, since each eNB uses a random rollback return for extended CCA).

[0143] FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a method 800 for wireless communication. For clarity, method 800 is described below with respect to one of the eNB 105 or UE 115 shown in FIG. 1, 2A and / or 2B. In one implementation, one of eNB 105 or UE 115 may perform one or more sets of codes in order to control the functional elements of eNB 105 or UE 115 in such a way as to perform the functions described below.

[0144] At step 805, a periodic gating interval may be generated for the downlink in the unlicensed spectrum.

[0145] At step 810, at least one periodic gating interval boundary may be synchronized with at least one periodic frame structure boundary associated with the downlink PCC. In some embodiments, the PCC may include a carrier in the licensed spectrum.

[0146] In some embodiments, the periodic gating interval may include an LBT frame, and / or the periodic frame structure may include an LTE radio frame.

[0147] In some embodiments, the duration of the periodic gating interval may be an integer multiple of the duration of the periodic frame structure. Examples of such an embodiment are described above with reference to FIG. 6A and 6C. In other embodiments, implementation, the duration of the periodic gating interval may be a sub-multiple of the duration of the periodic frame structure. Examples of such an embodiment are described above with reference to FIG. 6B and 6D.

[0148] Thus, method 800 may provide wireless communication. It should be noted that the method 800 is only one implementation, and that the operations of the method 800 can be re-arranged or otherwise modified in such a way that other implementations are possible.

[0149] FIG. 9A, 9B, 9C and 9D illustrate examples 900, 900-a, 920, 950 of how a competitive protocol, for example, LBT, can be implemented in an S'-subframe 725-a gating interval, such as an S'-subframe of an interval 605- d-1 or 605-d-2 gating in ten milliseconds, described with reference to FIG. 7A or 7B. The competitive protocol may be used, for example, with base stations 105, 105-a and 105-b of FIG. 1, fig. 2A and FIG. 2B, respectively. A competitive protocol may be used with system 100 of FIG. 1 and with parts of the system 200 and / or 200-a shown in FIG. 2A and FIG. 2b.

[0150] Referring now to FIG. 9A and 9B, an example 900/900-a of S'-subframe 725-a-1 is shown, having a protective period of 905 and a CCA-period of 910. As an example, each of the protective period of 905 and of the CCA-period of 910 may have a duration of 0 , 5 milliseconds and include seven positions of 915 OFDM symbols. As shown in FIG. 9B, each of the positions 915 of the OFDM symbols in the CCA period 910 may be converted to a time CCA slot 720-a when the eNB selects the position 915 of the OFDM symbol to perform the CCA. In some cases, identical or different positions of 915 OFDM symbols may be pseudo-randomly selected by several eNBs, thereby providing a certain type of temporary CCA blur. ENBs can be controlled by one LTE-U operator or different LTE-U operators. The OFDM symbol position 915 can be chosen pseudo-randomly in that the eNB can be configured to select different positions of the OFDM symbols at different points in time, thereby allowing each of several eNBs to select the OFDM symbol position 915, which occurs first of all during of time. This may be advantageous in that the first eNB that can perform a successful CCA has the ability to reserve the appropriate channel or channels of an unlicensed spectrum, and the pseudo-random selection by the eNB of the OFDM symbol position 915 to perform the CCA ensures that it has the ability to perform a successful CCA identical to the ability to perform a successful CCA of all other eNBs. In the case of an eNB managed by a single LTE-U operator, the eNB in some cases can be configured to select an identical time CCA quantum 720-a.

[0151] FIG. 9C shows an example 920 of the S'-subframe 725-a-2 having a guard period of 905 and a CCA period of 910. As an example, each guard period of 905 can be 0.5 milliseconds in length and include seven positions of OFDM symbols. The CCA period 910 may include the position of one OFDM symbol or the position portion of one OFDM symbol, which may include one or more time CCA quanta having a duration less than or equal to the position of the OFDM symbol. After the CCA period 910, there may be a CUBS period 930. The protection period 905 may be preceded by a shortened D-subframe 925. In some examples, all wireless nodes (eg, all base stations or eNB) associated with an operator or public land mobile network (PLMN) may perform the CCA simultaneously during the CCA period 910. The S'-subframe 725-a-2 shown in FIG. 9C may be useful in scenarios in which an operator operates asynchronously with respect to other operators with which it competes for access to an unlicensed spectrum.

[0152] FIG. 9D shows an example 950 of the S'-subframe 725-a-3 having a shortened D-subframe 925, a CCA-period 910 and a CUBS-period 930. The CCA-period 910 may include the position of one OFDM symbol or a portion of the position of one OFDM symbol, which may include one or more time CCA quanta, having a duration less than or equal to the position of the OFDM symbol. After the CCA period 910, there may be a CUBS period 930. In some examples, all wireless nodes (eg, all base stations or eNBs) associated with an operator or a public land mobile network (PLMN) can perform CCA at the same time during CCA -period 910. The S'-subframe 725-a-3, shown in FIG. 9D may be useful in scenarios in which an operator operates asynchronously with respect to other operators with which it competes for access to an unlicensed spectrum, and in which the S'-subframe 725-a-3 is used in a TDM context, for example, at intervals 605-d-2 gating. When used in a TDM context, a period of silence may be provided in the S-subframe of a frame, of which S'-subframe 725-a-3 is a part.

[0153] FIG. 10A and 10B provide examples of how the S'-subframe, such as the S'-Subframe 725-a, described with reference to FIG. 9A and / or 9B may be used in conjunction with the current gating interval 605. As an example, the current gating intervals 605-e, 605-g shown in FIG. 10A and 10B may be examples of the ten millisecond gating interval 605-d described with reference to FIG. 7. The use of S'-subframes in conjunction with the current gating interval can be processed, for example, by the base stations 105, 105-a and 105-b of FIG. 1, fig. 2A and FIG. 2B, respectively. The use of S'-subframes in combination with the current gating interval can be processed with system 100 of FIG. 1 and with parts of the system 200 and / or 200-a shown in FIG. 2A and / or FIG. 2b.

[0154] FIG. 10A provides an example 1000 in which the S'-subframe is included as the last subframe of the current gating interval 605-e. Thus, the guard period 905-a and CCA-period-910-a of the S'-subframe occur at the end of the current gating interval 605-e immediately before the rear edge of the current gating interval 605-e and the beginning of the next transmission interval 605-f. The next transmission interval 605-f may be unlocked or locked for transmission on the downlink of each of a certain number of transmitters, depending on whether CCA is indicated by the transmitting device, then the unlicensed spectrum is available or unavailable during the next 605- f transmission. In some cases, the next transmission interval 605-f may also be the next gating interval.

[0155] FIG. 10B provides an example 1000-a in which the S'-subframe is included as the first subframe of the current gating interval 605-g. Thus, the guard period 905-b and the CCA-period 910-b of the S'-subframe occur at the beginning of the current gating interval 605-g immediately after the front edge of the current gating interval 605-g. The next transmission interval 605-h may be unlocked or locked for transmission on the downlink of each of a certain number of transmitters, depending on whether CCA indicates that performed by the transmitter, then the unlicensed spectrum is available or unavailable during the next interval 605- f transmission. In some cases, the next transmission interval 605-h may also be the next gating interval.

[0156] FIG. 10C provides an example 1000-b of how CCA performance for an unlicensed spectrum (or an unlicensed spectrum channel) can be synchronized for several eNB 105. As an example, several eNB 105 may include LTE-U eNB1 and LTE-U eNB2. The execution of the CCA may be provided, for example, by the base stations 105, 105-a and 105-b of FIG. 1, fig. 2A and FIG. 2B, respectively. The execution of the CCA may be used in the system 100 of FIG. 1 and with parts of the system 200 and / or 200-a shown in FIG. 2A and / or FIG. 2b.

[0157] Due to synchronization between eNB1 and eNB2, the S'-subframe 725-b in the current gating interval eNB1 can be synchronized with the S'-subframe 725-c in the current gating interval of eNB2. In addition, due to the synchronized pseudo-random selection of time CCA quanta implemented by each eNB, eNB2 can choose a 720-c CCA quantum that occurs at a different time (for example, at a different position of the OFDM symbol) relative to the 720 CCA quantum -b, selected by eNB1. For example, eNB1 may select a time CCA quantum 720-b combined with the position of the fifth OFDM symbol from the combined CCA periods of the S'-subframes 725-b and 725-c, and eNB2 may select the time CCA quantum 720-c combined with the third position of the OFDM symbol from the combined CCA-periods.

[0158] The next transmission interval after synchronized S'-subframes 725-b and 725-c may begin after the CCA periods of the S'-subframes 725-b and 725-c and begin with the D-subframe, as shown. Since the temporal CCA-quantum 720-c eNB2 is dispatched first in time, eNB2 has the ability to reserve the next transmission interval before eNB1 has the ability to reserve the next transmission interval. However, due to the pseudo-random selection of time CCA quanta implemented by each of eNB1 and eNB2, eNB1 may be provided to the first to reserve a subsequent transmission interval (for example, because its time CCA quantum may occur at an earlier time than the time CCA- eNB2 quantum in the subsequent gating interval).

[0159] As an example, FIG. 10C indicates that Wi-Fi transmission (Tx) operations are provided that coincide with a portion of the combined CCA periods of the S'-subframes 725-b and 725-c. Due to the synchronization of the 720-c timed CCA quantum selected by eNB2, eNB2 can determine, as a result of performing its CCA, that unlicensed spectrum is unavailable and can block downlink 1005-a transmission on the unlicensed spectrum during the next transmission interval. Consequently, downlink transmission of eNB2 can be blocked as a result of WiFi Tx operations that occur during the execution of CCA eNB2.

[0160] During the 720-b interim CCA quantum, eNB1 may perform its CCA. Due to the synchronization of the 720-b time CCA quantum selected by eNB1, eNB1 can determine as a result of performing its CCA that unlicensed spectrum is available (for example, since WiFi Tx operations do not occur during the 720-b time CCA quantum and since eNB2 does not have the ability to reserve the next transmission interval at an earlier time). Therefore, eNB1 may reserve the next transmission interval and unblock the transmission 1005 on the downlink in the unlicensed spectrum during the next transmission interval. Below in this description are described in detail ways to reserve unlicensed spectrum (or channel unlicensed spectrum).

[0161] FIG. 9A, 9B, 10A, 10B, and 10C provide examples of how temporal CCA quantum 720 can be selected in the context of a ten millisecond gating interval, for example, the gating interval 605-d described with reference to FIG. 7. In contrast, FIG. 10D, 10E, 10F and 10G provide examples of how a time CCA quantum 720 can be selected in the context of a gating interval of one or two milliseconds. The ten millisecond gating interval can provide such advantages as low overhead during the gating intervals when there is a small number of WiFi operations, and the ability to maintain the PHY channel architecture based on subframes of existing LTE channels. However, it may have a lack of long channel idle time (for example, 0.5+ milliseconds, depending on the CCA delay caused by CCA blurring), which allows the WiFi node to transmit to a short concurrent window (for example , the possibility of transmission during the protection period 905, described with reference to Fig. 9A and 9B). It may also have a downlink transmission delay of at least ten milliseconds when the CCA is not successful. A gating interval, for example, of one or two milliseconds may result in a higher overhead during gating intervals and may require more extensive changes to the LTE architecture of PHY channels in order to maintain the transmission duration in a fraction of milliseconds. However, the gating interval, possibly in one or two milliseconds, can reduce or eliminate the above disadvantages associated with the gating interval of ten milliseconds.

[0162] FIG. 10D provides an example 1000-c of one millisecond gating interval 605-i. The one millisecond gating interval can be used by the base stations 105, 105-a and 105-b of FIG. 1, fig. 2A and FIG. 2B, respectively. A one millisecond gating interval can be used in system 100 of FIG. 1 and with parts of the system 200 and / or 200-a shown in FIG. 2A and / or FIG. 2b.

[0163] Current LTE technical requirements require channel busy time (activation time) ≥ one millisecond, and channel idle time ≥ five percent of the channel busy time. Thus, current LTE specifications require a minimum gating interval duration of 1.05 milliseconds. However, if LTE technical requirements can be attenuated in such a way that they require a minimum channel busy time, perhaps 0.95 milliseconds, then a one millisecond gating interval should be possible.

[0164] As shown in FIG. 10D, the one millisecond gating interval 605-i may include 14 OFDM symbols (or character positions). When a successful CCA is performed during a 720-d time CCA quantum preceding the gating interval 605-i, downlink transmission may occur during the first 13 OFDM symbols of the gating interval 605-i. Such downlink transmission may have a duration (or channel busy time) of 929 microseconds. In accordance with the current LTE standard, channel busy time of 929 microseconds takes 905-a channel idle time to 48 microseconds, which is less than the duration of 71.4 microseconds of one OFDM symbol. As a result, a channel idle time 905-a of 48 microseconds as well as one or more time CCA quanta 720-d may be provided during the position of the fourteenth OFDM symbol. In some cases, two 720-d two-time CCA-quantum, having a total duration of 20 microseconds, can be provided during the position of the fourteenth OFDM symbol, thereby providing some amount of CCA randomization (blur). Of course, each time CCA quantum 720-d in Example 1000-c has a duration of less than one OFDM symbol.

[0165] Since the 720-d temporal CCA quanta are positioned at the end of the one millisecond gating interval 605-i or subframe shown in FIG. 10D, the gating interval 605-i is common reference signal oriented (CRS). An example 1000-d of one millisecond gating interval 605-j that is oriented to a UE-specific reference signal (UERS) is shown in FIG. 10E. Similar to the gating interval 605-i, the gating interval 605-j includes 14 OFDM symbols. However, the channel idle time 905-b and the time CCA quanta 720-e are provided in the first position of the OFDM symbol. A successful CCA performed during the time CCA-quantum 720-e of the current gating interval 605-j therefore makes it possible to reserve unlicensed spectrum and allows downlink transmission in the current gating interval. Consequently, the next transmission interval is included in the current gating interval.

[0166] FIG. 10F provides an example 1000-e gating interval 605-k in two milliseconds. The gating interval of two milliseconds can be used by the base stations 105, 105-a and 105-b of FIG. 1, fig. 2A and FIG. 2B, respectively. A gating interval of two milliseconds can be used in system 100 of FIG. 1 and with parts of the system 200 and / or 200-a shown in FIG. 2A and / or FIG. 2b.

[0167] Unlike the one millisecond gating intervals 605-i and 605-j, the two-millisecond gating interval 605-k complies with current LTE technical requirements for maximum channel busy time and minimum channel idle time.

[0168] As shown, the gating interval 605-k may include the D-subframe 710-a and the S'-subframe 725-d. However, the S'-subframe is configured to a certain extent differently compared to the above-described S'-subframes. More specifically, the first 12 positions of the OFDM symbols of the S'-subframe, as well as the 14 positions of the OFDM symbols of the previous D-subframe, can be used for downlink transmission after performing a successful CCA during a 720-f CCA quantum preceding the interval 605-k gating. Consequently, the channel busy time can be 1,857 milliseconds, requiring a 905-c channel idle time of 96 microseconds. Therefore, the idle channel time 905-c can occupy the position of the thirteenth OFDM symbol of the S'-subframe and part of the position of the fourteenth OFDM symbol of the S'-subframe. However, the remaining position length of the fourteenth OFDM symbol may be filled, at least in part, by the number of 720-f CCA quanta. In some cases, the number of time CCA quanta 720-f may be three time CCA quanta 720-f, which provides a slightly larger amount of CCA randomization (erosion) than the one millisecond gating intervals described with reference to FIG. 10D and 10E.

[0169] Since the temporal CCA 720-f quanta are positioned at the end of the two millisecond gating interval 605-k shown in FIG. 10F, the gating interval 605-k is CRS-oriented. An example 1000-f of a two millisecond gating interval 605-l, which is UERS-oriented, is shown in FIG. 10g. Similar to the gating interval 605-k, the gating interval 605-l includes the D-subframe 725-e and S'-subframe 710-b. However, the time order of the subframes is reversed, and in this case the S'-subframe 710-b occurs first in time, and the D-subframe 725-e occurs later in time. In addition, the channel idle time 905-d and temporal CCA quanta 720-g are provided in the first position of the OFDM symbol of the S'-subframe 710-b. A successful CCA performed during a 720-g CCA quantum 720-g of the current gating interval 605-l, therefore, makes it possible to reserve unlicensed spectrum and allows downlink transmission in the current gating interval. Consequently, the next transmission interval is included in the current gating interval.

[0170] FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a method 1100 for wireless communication. For clarity, method 1100 is described below in relation to one of the eNB 105 shown in FIG. 1, 2A and / or 2B. In one implementation, one of the eNB 105 may perform one or more sets of codes in order to control the functional elements of the eNB 105 in such a way as to perform the functions described below.

[0171] At step 1105, a CCA is performed for another unlicensed spectrum in the current gating interval to determine whether or not the unlicensed spectrum is available for transmission on the downlink in the next transmission interval. Performing a CCA for an unlicensed spectrum may in some cases involve performing a CCA for one or more channels of an unlicensed spectrum. In some cases, the next transmission interval may be the next gating interval. In other cases, the next transmission interval may be included in the current gating interval. In other cases, for example, in cases in which the asynchronous LBT-LBE gating interval is used, the next transmission interval may be located after the current gating interval, but not form part of the next gating interval.

[0172] At step 1110, and when a determination is made that the unlicensed spectrum is not available, downlink transmission on the unlicensed spectrum may be locked during the next transmission interval. Otherwise, when a determination is made that an unlicensed spectrum is available, a downlink transmission on the unlicensed spectrum may be unlocked during the next transmission interval.

[0173] In some embodiments of the method 1100, the CCA may be performed during the first subframe or the position of the first or second OFDM symbol of the current gating interval. In other embodiments of the method 1100, the CCA may be performed during the last subframe or the position of the last OFDM symbol of the current gating interval.

[0174] In some embodiments of method 1100, the execution of the CCA may be synchronized for several eNBs, including several eNBs, managed by one LTE-U operator or by various LTE-U operators.

[0175] Thus, method 1100 can provide wireless communication. It should be noted that the method 1100 is only one implementation, and that the operations of the method 1100 can be re-arranged or otherwise modified in such a way that other implementations are possible.

[0176] FIG. 12A is a flow diagram illustrating yet another example of a method 1200 for wireless communication. For clarity, method 1200 is described below in relation to one of the eNB 105 shown in FIG. 1, 2A and / or 2B. In one implementation, one of the eNB 105 may perform one or more sets of codes in order to control the functional elements of the eNB 105 in such a way as to perform the functions described below.

[0177] At step 1205, time CCA quanta can be synchronized for several base stations (eg, LTE-U eNB 105) to determine the availability of unlicensed spectrum (or at least one channel of unlicensed spectrum) for downlink transmissions communication in the next transmission interval.

[0178] In some embodiments, the time CCA quanta may be located in the first subframe or in the position of the first or second OFDM symbol of the current gating interval. In other embodiments, implementation, temporary CCA quanta can be located in the last subframe or in the position of the last OFDM symbol of the current gating interval.

[0179] In some embodiments, for example, in embodiments in which the gating interval has a duration of ten milliseconds, the interval between the beginning of adjacent time CCA quanta may be approximately the duration of the OFDM symbol. For the purposes of this description, an “approximately duration of an OFDM symbol” includes “equal to the duration of an OFDM symbol”. An example in which the interval between the beginning of adjacent time CCA quanta may be approximately the duration of an OFDM symbol is shown in FIG. 9b.

[0180] Thus, method 1200 can provide wireless communication. It should be noted that the method 1200 is only one implementation, and that the operations of the method 1200 can be re-arranged or otherwise modified in such a way that other implementations are possible.

[0181] FIG. 12B is a flowchart illustrating another example of a method 1200-a for wireless communication. For clarity, method 1200-a is described below with respect to one of the eNB 105 shown in FIG. 1, 2A and / or 2B. In one implementation, one of the eNB 105 may perform one or more sets of codes in order to control the functional elements of the eNB 105 in such a way as to perform the functions described below.

[0182] At step 1215, time CCA quanta can be synchronized for several base stations (eg, LTE-U eNB 105) to determine the availability of unlicensed spectrum (or at least one channel of unlicensed spectrum) for downlink transmission communication in the next transmission interval.

[0183] In some embodiments, the time CCA quanta may be located in the first subframe or in the position of the first or second OFDM symbol of the current gating interval. In other embodiments, implementation, temporary CCA quanta can be located in the last subframe or in the position of the last OFDM symbol of the current gating interval.

[0184] In some embodiments, for example, in embodiments in which the gating interval has a duration of ten milliseconds, the interval between the beginning of adjacent time CCA quanta may be approximately the duration of the OFDM symbol. An example in which the interval between the beginning of adjacent time CCA quanta may be approximately the duration of an OFDM symbol is shown in FIG. 9b.

[0185] At step 1220, one of the time CCA quanta is identified as a time CCA quantum in which the availability of the unlicensed spectrum can be determined. One of the time CCA quanta can be identified, at least in part, based on a pseudo-random selection sequence activated by the initial randomization number.

[0186] In some embodiments, at least a subset of several base stations may use an identical random number seed to form pseudo-random sequences. A subset may be associated with the deployment of base stations through a single operator.

[0187] Thus, method 1200-a can provide wireless communication. It should be noted that the method 1200-a is only one implementation, and that the operations of the method 1200-a can be re-arranged or otherwise modified in such a way that other implementations are possible.

[0188] FIG. 13A is a flow diagram illustrating another example of a method 1300 for wireless communications. For clarity, method 1300 is described below in relation to one of the eNB 105 shown in FIG. 1, 2A and / or 2B. In one implementation, one of the eNB 105 may perform one or more sets of codes in order to control the functional elements of the eNB 105 in such a way as to perform the functions described below.

[0189] At step 1305, the CCA may run for one of several time CCA quanta synchronized for several eNB 105 (for example, LTE-U eNB) to determine the availability of unlicensed spectrum (or at least one channel of unlicensed spectrum ) for transmissions on the downlink in the next transmission interval.

[0190] In some embodiments, different eNBs may use different of several time CCA quanta to perform the CCA during the gating interval. In other embodiments, two or more eNBs may use an identical time CCA quantum to perform CCA during the gating interval (for example, when there is coordination between a subset of eNB, for example, coordination between eNBs deployed by one operator).

[0191] Thus, method 1300 can provide wireless communication. It should be noted that the method 1300 is only one implementation, and that the operations of the method 1300 can be re-arranged or otherwise modified in such a way that other implementations are possible.

[0192] FIG. 13B is a flowchart illustrating another another example of a method 1300-a for wireless communication. For clarity, method 1300-a is described below with respect to one of the eNB 105 shown in FIG. 1, 2A and / or 2B. In one implementation, one of the eNB 105 may perform one or more sets of codes in order to control the functional elements of the eNB 105 in such a way as to perform the functions described below.

[0193] At step 1315, a time CCA quantum can be identified (for example, by an eNB) from among several time CCA quanta synchronized for several eNB 105 (for example, LTE-U eNB). The time slot can be identified, at least in part, based on a pseudo-random selection sequence formed from the initial randomization number. In an alternative embodiment, a time slot may be identified, at least in part, based on coordination information that is exchanged at least between a subset of eNB over a transit connection, such as transit connection 132 or 134, described with reference to FIG. one.

[0194] At step 1320, the CCA may run during the identified time CCA quantum to determine the availability of the unlicensed spectrum (or at least one channel of the unlicensed spectrum) for downlink transmissions in the next transmission interval.

[0195] In some embodiments, different eNBs may identify different from several time CCA quanta in order to perform the CCA during the gating interval. In other embodiments, two or more eNBs may identify an identical time CCA quantum in order to perform a CCA during the gating interval.

[0196] Thus, method 1300-a can provide wireless communication. It should be noted that the method 1300-a is only one implementation, and that the operations of the method 1300-a can be re-arranged or otherwise modified in such a way that other implementations are possible.

[0197] FIG. 14A provides another example 1400 of how CCA performance for an unlicensed spectrum (or an unlicensed spectrum channel) can be synchronized for several eNB 105. Examples of eNB 105 can be the base stations 105, 105-a, and 105-b of FIG. 1, fig. 2A and FIG. 2B, respectively. The execution of the CCA in some examples may be synchronized for the eNB 105 used in the system 100 of FIG. 1 or with portions of the system 100 shown in FIG. 2A and FIG. 2b.

[0198] FIG. 14A also shows how the unlicensed spectrum can be reserved by one or more eNB 105 after a successful CCA. By way of example, several eNB 105 may include LTE-U eNB1, LTE-U eNB2 and LTE-U eNB3.

[0199] As shown, the borders of the current gating intervals of each eNB (for example, eNB1, eNB2 and eNB3) can be synchronized, thereby providing synchronization to the S'-subframes 725-f, 725-g, 725-h eNB. The CCA period of each S'-subframe may include several time CCA quanta 720. Due to the synchronized pseudo-random selection of time CCA quanta implemented by each eNB, the eNB2 can choose a time CCA quantum 720-i that occurs at another time (for example, in another position of the OFDM symbol) relative to the 720-h time domain CCA selected by eNB1. For example, eNB1 may select a 720-h time CCA quantum combined with the position of the fifth OFDM symbol from the combined CCA periods of the S'-subframes 725-f and 725-g, and eNB2 may select the 720-i time CCA quantum combined with the third position of the OFDM symbol from the combined CCA-periods. However, when eNB3 is deployed by an operator identical to the operator eNB1, eNB3 can synchronize the time of its 720-j time CCA quantum with the time of the 720-h time CCA quantum selected for eNB1. An operator deploying both eNB1 and eNB3 can then determine which eNB is allowed to access the unlicensed spectrum, or coordinate simultaneous access to the unlicensed spectrum based on orthogonal transmissions and / or other transmission mechanisms.

[0200] The next transmission interval after synchronized S'-subframes 725-f, 725-g, 725-h may begin after the CCA periods of the S'-subframes 725-f, 725-g, 725-h and begin with the D-subframe , as shown. Since the time CCA-quantum 720-i eNB2 is dispatched first in time, eNB2 has the ability to reserve the next transmission interval before eNB1 and eNB3 have the ability to reserve the next transmission interval. However, due to the pseudo-random selection process of time CCA quanta implemented by each of eNB1, eNB1 and eNB3, eNB1 or eNB3, it may be the first opportunity to reserve a subsequent transmission interval.

[0201] As an example, FIG. 14A shows that Wi-Fi transmission operations (Tx) are provided, which coincide with a portion of the combined CCA periods of the S'-subframes 725-f, 725-g, 725-h. Due to synchronization of the time CCA quantum 720-i selected by eNB2, eNB2 may determine as a result of the execution as a result of executing its CCA that unlicensed spectrum is unavailable and may block downlink 1005-c transmission on the unlicensed spectrum during transmission interval. Consequently, downlink transmission of eNB2 can be blocked as a result of WiFi Tx operations that occur during the execution of CCA eNB2.

[0202] During the 720-h and 720-j time CCA quanta, eNB1 and eNB3 can perform their respective CCA. Due to the synchronization of the 720-h, 720-j timed CCA quanta selected by eNB1 and eNB3, each of eNB1 and eNB3 can determine, as a result of performing its CCA, that unlicensed spectrum is available (for example, since WiFi Tx operations do not occur current CCA quanta 720-h, 720-i, and since eNB2 does not have the ability to reserve the next transmission interval at an earlier time). Therefore, eNB1 and eNB3 may reserve the next transmission interval and unlock the transmission 1005-b, 1005-d on the downlink in the unlicensed spectrum during the next transmission interval.

[0203] The ENB may reserve the next transmission interval by transmitting one or more signals before the next transmission interval to reserve unlicensed spectrum during the next transmission interval. For example, after determining that unlicensed spectrum is available (for example, by performing a successful CCA), eNB1 can fill each of the time CCA quanta after its successful execution of a CCA with CUBS 1010-a. The CUBS 1010-a may include one or more signals that are detectable by other devices in order to allow other devices to know that the unlicensed spectrum (or at least its channel) is reserved for use by another device (for example, by eNB1 ). CUBS 1010-a can be detected through both LTE and Wi-Fi devices. Unlike most LTE signals that start at the boundary of a subframe, CUBS 1010-a can begin at the boundary of OFDM symbols.

[0204] In some cases, the CUBS 1010-a may include a fill signal transmitted in order to reserve unlicensed spectrum. In other cases, the CUBS 1010-a may include, for example, at least one pilot signal for one or both of the time-frequency synchronization and channel quality estimation over the unlicensed spectrum. The pilot signal (s) may be used by one or more UEs 115 to perform channel quality measurements for various resource elements, so that channel quality may be reported to eNB1. The ENB1 may then receive a channel quality message from UE 115 in response to the CUBS 1010-a and allocate resource elements for transmissions from eNB1 to UE 115 in order to provide fractional reuse of resources for multiple UE 115s in order to avoid interference with many UE 115.

[0205] In some embodiments, the CUBS 1010-a may be transmitted alternately, with the transmission of each signal starting at the boundary of one of several time CCA quanta.

[0206] In some embodiments, it can be ensured that the position of at least one OFUBM CUBS symbol is transmitted after a successful CCA to assist in time-frequency synchronization between the transmitting LTE-U eNB and the receiving UE.

[0207] In some embodiments, and when there is a duration of more than two OFDM symbols between a successful CCA and the start of the next transmission interval, the third and subsequent CUBS transmissions can be modified so that they carry downlink data and control information transmitting LTE-U eNB to a receiving UE.

[0208] In some embodiments, the CUBS 1010-a may be modeled after the structure of a downlink pilot time slot (DwPTS) structure specified in the current LTE specifications.

[0209] In some embodiments, the CUBS 1010-a may include a broadband waveform that carries the signature sequence as determined by the DeploymentID of the transmitting LTE-U eNB. The signature sequence may be a known sequence that has a small amount of informational content, and therefore be IC-oriented on the nodes of the receiving LTE-U device. In some cases, the broadband waveform can be transmitted at full transmit power in order to overcome limitations on transmit power spectral density (Tx-PSD) and minimum bandwidth (min-BW), as well as transfer other nodes to silence mode ).

[0210] ENB3 can similarly fill each of the time CCA quanta after its successful execution of the CCA with the CUBS 1010-b and can receive a channel quality message from the other UE 115.

[0211] FIG. 14B provides another another example 1400-a of how CCA performance for an unlicensed spectrum (or an unlicensed spectrum channel) can be synchronized for several eNB 105. Examples of eNB 105 can be base stations 105, 105-a and 105-b in FIG. . 1, fig. 2A and FIG. 2B, respectively. The execution of the CCA in some examples may be synchronized for the eNB 105 used in the system 100 of FIG. 1 or with portions of the system 100 shown in FIG. 2A and FIG. 2b.

[0212] FIG. 14B also shows how the unlicensed spectrum can be reserved by one of the eNB 105 after a successful CCA. As an example, several eNB 105 may include LTE-U eNB1, LTE-U eNB2 and LTE-U eNB4.

[0213] As shown, the borders of the current gating intervals of each eNB (eg, eNB1, eNB2 and eNB4) can be synchronized, thereby providing synchronization to the S'-subframes 725-f, 725-g, 725-i eNB. The CCA period of each S'-subframe may include several time CCA quanta 720. Due to the synchronized pseudo-random selection of time CCA quanta implemented by each eNB, the eNB2 can choose a time CCA quantum 720-i that occurs at another time (for example, in another position of the OFDM symbol) relative to the 720-h time domain CCA selected by eNB1. For example, eNB1 may select a 720-h time CCA quantum combined with the position of the fifth OFDM symbol from the combined CCA periods of the S'-subframes 725-f and 725-g, and eNB2 may select the 720-i time CCA quantum combined with the third position of the OFDM symbol from the combined CCA-periods. Similarly, eNB4 may select a 720-k time CCA quantum that occurs at a different time relative to the 720-h, 720-i time-based CCA quanta selected by each of eNB1 and eNB2 (for example, since eNB4 cannot be deployed by an operator identical operator eNB1, as in the case of eNB3, described with reference to Fig. 14A). For example, eNB4 may select a 720-k time CCA quantum combined with the position of the sixth OFDM symbol from the combined CCA periods.

[0214] The next transmission interval after synchronized S'-subframes 725-f, 725-g, 725-i may begin after the CCA periods of the S'-subframes 725-f, 725-g, 725-i and start at the D-subframe , as shown. Since the time CCA-quantum 720-i eNB2 is dispatched first in time, eNB2 has the ability to reserve the next transmission interval before eNB1 and eNB4 have the ability to reserve the next transmission interval. However, due to the pseudo-random selection process of time CCA quanta implemented by each of eNB1, eNB2 and eNB4, eNB1 or eNB4, it may be the first opportunity to reserve a subsequent transmission interval.

[0215] As an example, FIG. 14B shows that there are Wi-Fi transmission operations (Tx) that coincide with a portion of the combined CCA periods of the S'-subframes 725-f, 725-g, 725-i. However, since the WiFi Tx operations do not coincide with the synchronization of the time CCA quantum 720-i selected by eNB2, the eNB2 may determine as a result of performing its CCA that the unlicensed spectrum is available and can unblock the 1005-c transmission in a descending links in the unlicensed spectrum during the next transmission interval. In addition, after a successful CCA, eNB2 can fill in subsequent CUBS 1010-c subsequent temporary CCA quanta, thereby reserving the next transmission interval for its own use.

[0216] During the 720-h and 720-k time CCA quanta, eNB1 and eNB4 can perform their respective CCA. However, since eNB2 has already begun to transmit CUBS 1010-c, eNB1 and eNB4 determine that unlicensed spectrum is unavailable. In other words, eNB1 and eNB4 are blocked from the unlicensed spectrum due to the reservation of the unlicensed spectrum already made by eNB2.

[0217] FIG. 14C provides another another example 1400-b of how CCA performance for an unlicensed spectrum (or an unlicensed spectrum channel) can be synchronized for several eNB 105. Examples of eNB 105 can be base stations 105, 105-a and 105-b of FIG . 1, fig. 2A and FIG. 2B, respectively. The execution of the CCA in some examples may be synchronized for the eNB 506 used in the system 100 of FIG. 1 or with portions of the system 100 shown in FIG. 2A and FIG. 2b.

[0218] FIG. 14C also shows how the unlicensed spectrum can be reserved by one of the eNB 105 after a successful CCA. As an example, several eNB 105 may include LTE-U eNB1, LTE-U eNB2 and LTE-U eNB4.

[0219] As shown, the borders of the current gating intervals of each eNB (for example, eNB1, eNB2 and eNB4) can be synchronized, thereby providing synchronization to the S'-subframes 725-f, 725-g, 725-i eNB. The CCA period of each S'-subframe may include several time CCA quanta 720. Due to the synchronized pseudo-random selection of time CCA quanta implemented by each eNB, the eNB2 can choose a time CCA quantum 720-i that occurs at another time (for example, in another position of the OFDM symbol) relative to the 720-h time domain CCA selected by eNB1. For example, eNB1 may select a 720-h time CCA quantum combined with the position of the fifth OFDM symbol from the combined CCA periods of the S'-subframes 725-f and 725-g, and eNB2 may select the 720-i time CCA quantum combined with the third position of the OFDM symbol from the combined CCA-periods. Similarly, eNB4 may select a 720-k time CCA quantum that occurs at a different time relative to the 720-h, 720-i time-based CCA quanta selected by each of eNB1 and eNB2 (for example, since eNB3 cannot be deployed by an operator identical to operator eNB1, as in the case of the example described with reference to Fig. 14A). For example, eNB4 may select a 720-k time CCA quantum combined with the position of the sixth OFDM symbol from the combined CCA periods.

[0220] The next transmission interval after synchronized S'-subframes 725-f, 725-g, 725-i may begin after the CCA periods of the S'-subframes 725-f, 725-g, 725-i and begin with the D-subframe , as shown. Since the time CCA-quantum 720-i eNB2 is dispatched first in time, eNB2 has the ability to reserve the next transmission interval before eNB1 and eNB4 have the ability to reserve the next transmission interval. However, due to the pseudo-random selection process of time CCA quanta implemented by each of eNB1, eNB2 and eNB4, eNB1 or eNB4, it may be the first opportunity to reserve a subsequent transmission interval.

[0221] By way of example, FIG. 14C shows that there are Wi-Fi transmission operations (Tx) that coincide with a portion of the combined CCA periods of the S'-subframes 725-f, 725-g, 725-i. Due to the synchronization of the time CCA quantum 720-i selected by eNB2, eNB2 may determine, as a result of performing its CCA, that the unlicensed spectrum is unavailable and may block the downlink transmission 1005-c on the unlicensed spectrum during the next transmission interval. Consequently, downlink transmission of eNB2 can be blocked as a result of WiFi Tx operations that occur during the execution of CCA eNB2.

[0222] During the 720-h temporary CCA quantum, the eNB1 can perform its CCA and determine that unlicensed spectrum is available (for example, since WiFi Tx operations do not occur during the 720-h temporary CCA quantum, and because eNB2 has the ability to reserve the next transmission interval at an earlier time). Therefore, eNB1 may reserve the next transmission interval and unlock the transmission 1005-b on the downlink in the unlicensed spectrum during the next transmission interval. In addition, after a successful CCA, eNB1 can fill in subsequent CUBS 1010-d subsequent temporary CCA quanta, thereby reserving the next transmission interval for its own use.

[0223] During a 720-k interim CCA quantum, the eNB4 can perform its CCA and detect the CUBS 1010-d. As a result, eNB4 may determine that an unlicensed spectrum is unavailable and lock down the 1005-d transmission on the downlink in the unlicensed spectrum. In other words, eNB4 is blocked from the unlicensed spectrum due to the reservation of the unlicensed spectrum already performed by eNB1.

[0224] FIG. 14A, 14B and 14C, the CUBS 1010 is transmitted to the next transmission interval in order to reserve unlicensed spectrum for use of LTE-U eNB during the next transmission interval. However, in some embodiments, the CUBS 1010 may be transmitted at the beginning of an active transmission interval in order to provide, for example, time-frequency synchronization for LTE-U eNBs and UEs that support communication during the active transmission interval.

[0225] In some embodiments, the CUBS may be transmitted for less than the length of the OFDM symbol. CUBS transmissions within a less OFDM symbol may be referred to as partial CUBS (PCUBS). By way of example, and in the context of one or two millisecond gating intervals described with reference to FIG. 10D, 10E, 10F, and 10G, PCUBS may be transmitted between performing a successful CCA and the beginning of the next OFDM symbol boundary. In some embodiments, PCUBS may be derived from full CUBS characters by thinning three out of every four tones and truncating the CUBS to the desired length. Alternatively, PCUBS can be configured through the preamble of the physical layer convergence procedure (PLCP) and a header based on the IEEE 802.11g / n standard (which can put at least compatible WiFi nodes into silent mode).

[0226] FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a method 1500 for wireless communication. For clarity, method 1500 is described below in relation to one of the eNB 105 shown in FIG. 1, 2A and / or 2B. In one implementation, one of the eNB 105 may perform one or more sets of codes in order to control the functional elements of the eNB 105 in such a way as to perform the functions described below.

[0227] At step 1505, the CCA may run for one of several time CCA quanta synchronized for several eNB 105 (eg, LTE-U eNB) to determine the availability of unlicensed spectrum (or at least one channel of unlicensed spectrum ) for transmissions on the downlink in the next transmission interval.

[0228] In some embodiments, different eNBs may use different of several time CCA quanta to perform the CCA during the gating interval. In other embodiments, two or more eNBs may use an identical time CCA quantum to perform CCA during the gating interval (for example, when there is coordination between a subset of eNB, for example, coordination between eNBs deployed by one operator).

[0229] At step 1510, and when unlicensed spectrum is available (for example, when it is determined by performing a successful CCA that unlicensed spectrum is available), one or more signals may be transmitted before the next transmission interval to reserve unlicensed spectrum for the next level transfer. In some cases, one or more signals may include CUBS 1010, as described with reference to FIG. 14A, 14B and / or 14C.

[0230] In some embodiments, one or more signals transmitted before the next transmission interval may include at least one pilot signal for one or both of the time-frequency synchronization and channel quality estimation over the unlicensed spectrum. The pilot signal (s) may be used by one or more UEs 115 to perform channel quality measurements for various resource elements, so that channel quality may be reported to eNB 105, which transmits one or more signals. The ENB 105 may then receive a channel quality message from UE 115 in response to the pilot signal (s) and allocate resource elements for transmissions from eNB 105 to UE 115 in order to provide fractional reuse of resources for multiple UE 115s to prevent interference for multiple UEs 115.

[0231] Thus, method 1500 can provide wireless communication. It should be noted that the method 1500 is only one implementation, and that the operations of the method 1500 can be re-arranged or otherwise modified in such a way that other implementations are possible.

[0232] When gating access to an unlicensed spectrum, gating intervals can command LTE-U eNB to remain in silent mode for several LTE radio frames. Because of this, LTE-U eNB, which is based on a traditional LTE feedback information message (for example, channel state information (CSI)), may not have up to date channel quality indicator information (CQI) before scheduling downlink transmissions. LTE-U eNB, which is based on the traditional LTE feedback information, may also not be able to receive hybrid automatic retransmission requests (HARQ) in a timely manner. Mechanisms that take into account unlicensed spectrum gating intervals and report CSI and HARQ at downlink transmission lock-off intervals in unlicensed spectrum, therefore, can be used to improve LTE-U eNB CQI and HARQ processing. Examples of such mechanisms are described with reference to FIG. 16, 17A and 17B.

[0233] FIG. 16 is a diagram 1600 illustrating communication between eNB 105-c and UE 115-c. The ENB 105-c may be an example of the base stations 105, 105-a and 105-b of FIG. 1, fig. 2A and FIG. 2B, respectively. UE 115-c may be an example of UE 115, 115-a and 115-b of FIG. 1, fig. 2A and FIG. 2B, respectively. ENB 105-c and UE 115-c may be used in system 100 of FIG. 1 and with portions of the system 100 shown in FIG. 2A and FIG. 2b.

[0234] ENB 105-c may communicate with UE 115-c via the downlink communication line in the unlicensed spectrum, and UE 115-c may communicate with the eNB 105-c via the uplink PCC link in the licensed spectrum. The UE 115-c may transmit feedback information to the eNB 105-c via the uplink PCC link 1605, and the eNB 105-c may receive feedback information from the UE 115-c via the uplink PCC link 1605. In some cases, the feedback information may address (or relate to) signals transmitted from the eNB 105-c to the UE 115-c via the downlink connection 1610. Transmitting feedback information for an unlicensed spectrum through a licensed spectrum allows you to increase the reliability of feedback information for an unlicensed spectrum.

[0235] The feedback information in some cases may include feedback information for at least one transmission interval gated from the downlink 1610 communication.

[0236] In some embodiments, the feedback information may include channel state information (CSI), such as CSI for the downlink 1610. For at least one transmission interval during which the eNB 105-c locks the transmission for the downlink 1610, the CSI may include long-term CSI. However, for at least one transmission interval during which the eNB 105-c unlocks the transmission for the downlink, the CSI may include a short-term CSI. Long-term CSI may include, for example, radio resource control (RRM) information that captures the details of the channel's interference environment (for example, information identifying each source of dominant interference, regardless of whether it is a Wi-Fi, station STA) and / or LTE-U eNB; information identifying the average intensity and / or spatial characteristics of each interfering signal; etc.). Short-term CSI may include, for example, a CQI, a rank indicator (RI), and / or a precoding matrix indicator. In some cases, CSI may be sent from UE 115 to eNB 115, via the uplink PCC link 1605, in the second subframe after starting downlink transmissions in the current transmission interval in the unlicensed spectrum.

[0237] In some embodiments, the feedback information may include HARQ feedback information, such as HARQ feedback information for the downlink 1610. In one example, the HARQ transmission, the HARQ may ignore transmission intervals in which downlink transmissions are locked. In another example, HARQ transmission, HARQ may be used during transmission intervals in which downlink transmissions are unlocked, and simple automatic re-transmission request (ARQ) may be used during transmission intervals in which downlink transmissions are locked. Both examples can retain almost complete HARQ functionality in the context of a single LTE-U deployment without WiFi interference. However, in the presence of WiFi interference or several LTE-U deployments (for example, deployments by different operators), the second example can forcibly preferentially use ARQ, in which case CSI can become the main tool for link adaptation. Asynchronous HARQ may be transmitted in a manner that is not affected by the gating of the unlicensed spectrum.

[0238] When the reception of the transmission on the downlink is not confirmed (NAK), the repeated HARQ transmission according to the principle of maximum efficiency can be carried out through the downlink 1610 communication. However, after a timeout period, a packet with a NAK can be recovered through retransmissions at the radio control control (RLC) level via the downlink communication link 1610 or the downlink PCC link.

[0239] ENB 105-c may in some cases use both long-term CSI and short-term CSI in order to select a modulation and coding scheme (MCS) for downlink communication 1610 in the unlicensed spectrum. HARQ can then be used to tune the served spectral efficiency of the downlink 1610 in real time.

[0240] FIG. 17A is a flowchart illustrating an example of another method 1700 for wireless communication. For clarity, method 1700 is described below in relation to one of the eNB 105 shown in FIG. 1, 2A and / or 2B. In one implementation, one of the eNB 105 may perform one or more sets of codes in order to control the functional elements of the eNB 105 in such a way as to perform the functions described below.

[0241] At step 1705, feedback information is received (eg, by the eNB 105) from UE 115 via the uplink PCC link in the licensed spectrum. The feedback information may include information that addresses (or refers to) signals transmitted to UE 115 via a downlink in an unlicensed spectrum.

[0242] The feedback information in some cases may include feedback information for at least one transmission interval gated from the downlink 1610 communication.

[0243] In some embodiments, the feedback information may include channel state information (CSI), such as CSI for the downlink 1610. For at least one transmission interval during which the eNB 105-c locks the transmission for the downlink 1610, the CSI may include long-term CSI. However, for at least one transmission interval during which the eNB 105-c unlocks the transmission for the downlink, the CSI may include a short-term CSI. Long-term CSI may include, for example, radio resource control (RRM) information that captures the details of the channel's interference environment (for example, information identifying each source of dominant interference, regardless of whether it is a Wi-Fi, station STA) and / or LTE-U eNB; information identifying the average intensity and / or spatial characteristics of each interfering signal; etc.). Short-term CSI may include, for example, a CQI, a rank indicator (RI), and / or a precoding matrix indicator. In some cases, CSI may be sent from UE 115 to eNB 115, via the uplink PCC link 1605, in the second subframe after starting downlink transmissions in the current transmission interval in the unlicensed spectrum.

[0244] In some embodiments, the feedback information may include HARQ feedback information, such as HARQ feedback information for the downlink 1610. In one example, the HARQ transmission, the HARQ may ignore transmission intervals in which downlink transmissions are locked. In another example, HARQ transmission, HARQ may be used during transmission intervals in which downlink transmissions are unlocked, and simple automatic re-transmission request (ARQ) may be used during transmission intervals in which downlink transmissions are locked. Both examples can retain almost complete HARQ functionality in the context of a single LTE-U deployment without WiFi interference. However, in the presence of WiFi interference or several LTE-U deployments (for example, deployments by different operators), the second example can forcibly preferentially use ARQ, in which case CSI can become the main tool for link adaptation. Asynchronous HARQ may be transmitted in a manner that is not affected by the gating of the unlicensed spectrum.

[0245] When the reception of the transmission on the downlink is not confirmed (NAK), the repeated HARQ transmission according to the principle of maximum efficiency can be carried out through the downlink 1610 communication. However, after a timeout period, a packet with a NAK can be recovered through retransmissions at the radio control control (RLC) level via the downlink communication link 1610 or the downlink PCC link.

[0246] ENB 105-c may in some cases use both long-term CSI and short-term CSI in order to select a modulation and coding scheme (MCS) for downlink communication 1610 in the unlicensed spectrum. HARQ can then be used to tune the served spectral efficiency of the downlink 1610 in real time.

[0247] Thus, method 1700 can provide wireless communication. It should be noted that the method 1700 is only one implementation, and that the operations of the method 1700 can be re-arranged or otherwise modified in such a way that other implementations are possible.

[0248] FIG. 17B is a flowchart illustrating an example of a method 1700-a for wireless communication. For clarity, method 1700-a is described below in relation to one of the UEs 115 shown in FIG. 1, 2A and / or 2B. In one implementation, one of the UE 115 may perform one or more code sets in order to control the functional elements of the UE 115 in such a way as to perform the functions described below.

[0249] At step 1715, feedback information may be transmitted (for example, from UE 115) to eNB 105 via an uplink PCC link in the licensed spectrum. The feedback information may include information that addresses (or refers to) signals transmitted to UE 115 via a downlink in an unlicensed spectrum.

[0250] The feedback information may in some cases include feedback information for at least one transmission interval gated from the downlink 1610.

[0251] In some embodiments, the feedback information may include channel state information (CSI), such as CSI for the downlink 1610. For at least one transmission interval during which the eNB 105-c locks the transmission for the downlink 1610, the CSI may include long-term CSI. However, for at least one transmission interval during which the eNB 105-c unlocks the transmission for the downlink, the CSI may include a short-term CSI. Long-term CSI may include, for example, radio resource control (RRM) information that captures the details of the channel's interference environment (for example, information identifying each source of dominant interference, regardless of whether it is a Wi-Fi, station STA) and / or LTE-U eNB; information identifying the average intensity and / or spatial characteristics of each interfering signal; etc.). Short-term CSI may include, for example, a CQI, a rank indicator (RI), and / or a precoding matrix indicator. In some cases, CSI may be sent from UE 115 to eNB 115, via the uplink PCC link 1605, in the second subframe after starting downlink transmissions in the current transmission interval in the unlicensed spectrum.

[0252] In some embodiments, the feedback information may include HARQ feedback information, such as HARQ feedback information for the downlink 1610. In one example, the HARQ transmission, the HARQ may ignore transmission intervals in which downlink transmissions are locked. In another example, HARQ transmission, HARQ may be used during transmission intervals in which downlink transmissions are unlocked, and simple automatic re-transmission request (ARQ) may be used during transmission intervals in which downlink transmissions are locked. Both examples can retain almost complete HARQ functionality in the context of a single LTE-U deployment without WiFi interference. However, in the presence of WiFi interference or several LTE-U deployments (for example, deployments by different operators), the second example can forcibly preferentially use ARQ, in which case CSI can become the main tool for link adaptation. Asynchronous HARQ may be transmitted in a manner that is not affected by the gating of the unlicensed spectrum.

[0253] When the reception of the transmission on the downlink is not confirmed (NAK), HARQ retransmission according to the principle of maximum efficiency can be carried out through the downlink 1610 communication. However, after a timeout period, a packet with a NAK can be recovered through retransmissions at the radio control control (RLC) level via the downlink communication link 1610 or the downlink PCC link.

[0254] ENB 105-c in some cases may use both long-term CSI and short-term CSI in order to select a modulation and coding scheme (MCS) for downlink communication 1610 in the unlicensed spectrum. HARQ can then be used to tune the served spectral efficiency of the downlink 1610 in real time.

[0255] Thus, method 1700-a can provide wireless communication. It should be noted that the method 1700-a is only one implementation, and that the operations of the method 1700-a can be rearranged or otherwise modified in such a way that other implementations are possible.

[0256] Referring next to FIG. 18A, scheme 1800 illustrates an example of broadcasting beacon LTE-U radio signals in an unlicensed spectrum according to various embodiments. The beacon LTE-U radio signals 1805 (or the beacon radio detection signals) can be transmitted or transmitted in a broadcast mode by an eNB that supports LTE-U. Examples of such an eNB may be the base stations 105, 105-a and 105-b of FIG. 1, fig. 2A and FIG. 2B, respectively. The broadcast transmission may be performed in association with a system or network, such as system 100 of FIG. 1 and portions of system 100 of FIG. 2A and FIG. 2b.

[0257] Transmissions may occur when the eNB is in an active state, or when the eNB is in an idle or inactive state. Beacon signals 1805 can be transmitted with a low duty cycle (for example, 1 or 2 subframes every 100 milliseconds) and can span up to approximately 5 megahertz (MHz) in the passband. Due to its low duty cycle, beacon signals 1805 can be transmitted without the need for a “listen before saying” (LBT) scheme. Accordingly, beacon signals 1805 may be transmitted (eg, transmitted in a broadcast mode) at predetermined times. In the example shown in FIG. 18A, beacon signals 1805 may be transmitted at least at times t ₀ , t ₁ , t _2, and t ₃ . Synchronization of these programs may be periodic. In some cases, transmissions may not need to be periodic, provided that times are scheduled (for example, pre-determined), and the schedule may be known for devices or objects listening to beacon signals 1805. Beacon signals 1805 can be used by other eNBs and / or by a UE (eg, UE 115) for detecting inactive / active eNBs and for approximate time-frequency tracking.

[0258] FIG. 18B shows an 1800-a diagram that illustrates an example of operational data in a beacon LTE radio signal according to various embodiments. The beacon signal 1805-a shown in FIG. 18B may be an example of beacon signals 1805 of FIG. 18a. Accordingly, the beacon signal 1805-a may be transmitted or transmitted in a broadcast mode by an eNB that supports LTE-U (LTE-U eNB). Examples of such an eNB may be the base stations 105, 105-a and 105-b of FIG. 1, fig. 2A and FIG. 2B, respectively.

[0259] The operational data of the beacon 1805-a may include several information fields or attributes associated with the eNB. For example, the beacon signal 1805-a may include one or more of the primary synchronization signal (PSS) field 1810, the secondary synchronization signal (SSS) field 1815, the cell specific reference signal field (CRS) 1820, the physical broadcast channel field 1825 ( PBCH), field 1830 of the system information block (SIB), field 1835 identification data of the closed subscriber group (CSG-ID), field 1840 of the identifier of the public land mobile network (PLMN ID), field 1845 of the global cell identifier (GCI), field 1850 the initial number of randomization scores with standing channel (CCA-RS), a field 1855 Channel Configuration random access (RACH), a light field 1860 or lightweight version SIB (SIB-light version) field 1865 and deployment identifier. In some embodiments, the implementation of the field 1860 SIB-lightweight version may include field 1845 GCI and field 1835 CSG-ID. The 1845 GCI field may include the 1840 PLMN ID field. The working data content shown in FIG. 18B does not have to be exhaustive. Other information or attributes associated with the eNB may be included to enable the use of LTE based communications in the unlicensed spectrum. For example, the operational data of the beacon signal 1805-a may include a configuration with a periodic gating structure for use in unlocking / locking the next gating or transmission interval. In addition, some of the fields shown do not have to be transmitted in some cases, and some fields can be combined.

[0260] A combination of information regarding the PLMN ID field 1840 and the CSG-ID field 1835 may be used to identify an LTE-U deployment configuration (eg, an eNB deployment configuration) for an LTE-U deployment (eg, an eNB deployment ) associated with this eNB. For example, LTE-U eNBs deployed by different cellular operators may have different PLMN identifiers. Some PLMN identifiers may be reserved for deployment without using the LTE-U operator. For example, an LTE-U eNB deployed without using an operator / organization may use a reserved PLMN identifier along with a unique CSG identifier.

[0261] FIG. 19A shows a flow diagram of a method 1900 for broadcasting beacon LTE radio signals in an unlicensed spectrum according to various embodiments. Method 1900 may be implemented using, for example, base stations or eNBs 105, 105-a and 105-b of FIG. 1, fig. 2A and FIG. 2B, respectively; and / or systems 100 of FIG. 1 and parts of the system 100 of FIG. 2A and FIG. 2b. In one implementation, one of the eNB 105 may perform one or more sets of codes in order to control the functional elements of the eNB 105 in such a way as to perform the functions described below.

[0262] At step 1905, beacon signals (eg, beacon signals 1805) may be broadcast in an unlicensed spectrum at predetermined times from the eNB, and the beacon signals include downlink signals that identify the eNB and at least , one associated attribute eNB. The beacon signals in some cases may be received at the UE (or at multiple UEs). In some embodiments, the UE may use beacon signals in order to perform an approximate temporal adjustment to exchange data in the unlicensed spectrum in the UE.

[0263] In some embodiments of the method 1900, at least one associated attribute eNB may include at least an attribute eNB. In some embodiments, the at least one associated attribute of the eNB may include an eNB deployment configuration for the eNB deployment with which the eNB is associated. In some embodiments, at least one associated eNB attribute may include an eNB deployment configuration for an eNB deployment with which the eNB is associated, and the downlink signals from the eNB to the eNB deployment are synchronized and simultaneously transmitted by the eNB from eNB deployments in the unlicensed spectrum and in the licensed spectrum. In some embodiments, an eNB in an eNB deployment is deployed by an identical operator.

[0264] In some embodiments of the method 1900, the at least one associated attribute eNB may include a RACH configuration associated with the eNB. In these embodiments, beacon signals may also include a paging message for at least one UE. When receiving a beacon transmitted in a broadcast mode in an unlicensed spectrum, the UE may respond to the paging message using the RACH configuration.

[0265] In some embodiments of method 1900, broadcasting beacon signals includes broadcasting beacon signals with a duty cycle of less than 5% (eg, 1-2%), with a maximum broadcast interval of about 50 milliseconds. In some embodiments, the implementation of beacon signals include one or more of the PSS, SSS, CRS, PBCH, GCI, CSG-identifier, PLMN-identifier, deployment identifier, periodic gating structure configuration, CCA-RS, RACH configuration, SIB and SIB-lite versions. The beacon signals may include information that identifies the eNB as active or inactive.

[0266] FIG. 19B shows a flow chart of a method 1900-a for broadcasting beacon LTE radio signals in an unlicensed spectrum according to various embodiments. Method 1900-a, similarly to method 1900 above, may be implemented using, for example, base stations or eNB 105, 105-a and 105-b of FIG. 1, fig. 2A and FIG. 2B, respectively; and / or systems 100 of FIG. 1 and parts of the system 100 of FIG. 2A and FIG. 2b. In one implementation, one of the eNB 105 may perform one or more sets of codes in order to control the functional elements of the eNB 105 in such a way as to perform the functions described below.

[0267] At step 1915, an eNB deployment is identified in which downlink signals from the deployed eNBs are synchronized and simultaneously transmitted by the deployed eNBs in the unlicensed spectrum and in the licensed spectrum.

[0268] At step 1920, beacon signals (eg, beacon signals 1805) may be broadcast in an unlicensed spectrum at predetermined times from one or more deployed eNBs, and the beacon signals include the identified eNB deployment.

[0269] Referring next to FIG. 20, a diagram 2000 is shown that illustrates an example of the readiness for transmission (RTS) and readiness for reception (CTS) signals in the unlicensed spectrum according to various embodiments. RTS signals can be transmitted by eNB, which supports LTE-U (LTE-U eNB). Examples of such an eNB may be the base stations 105, 105-a and 105-b of FIG. 1, fig. 2A and FIG. 2B, respectively. CTS signals may be transmitted by a UE that supports LTE-U (LTE-U UE). Examples of such a UE may be UE 115, 115-a and 115-b of FIG. 1, fig. 2A. and FIG. 2B, respectively.

[0270] The RTS signal 2005 (or RTS 2005) may be generated and transmitted after CCA 720-l during subframe 725-j in the current gating interval. Subframe 725-j may be an example of subframe 9 (S ') 725 of FIG. 7. In other words, subframe 725-j may be the last subframe in the current gating interval. RTS 2005 may be transmitted when the CCA 720-l completes successfully in the middle of the subframe interval. LTE-U eNB can use the RTS 2005 transmission to hold the channel to the next sub-frame boundary (or beyond).

[0271] RTS 2005 may be compatible with RTS, as specified for IEEE 802.11 standards (eg, Wi-Fi). The transmitter address (TA) field of the RTS 2005 may include the MAC identifier of the transmitting LTE-U eNB. From a MAC identifier, other LTE-U nodes (eg, LTE-U eNB) of identical deployment may recognize it as “RTS-oriented” and not go into silence mode (they can follow LTE-U MAC / enhanced inter-cell interference coordination ( eICIC) instead). The network redundancy vector (NAV) field can be used to reserve time slots as specified in the IEEE 802.11 standards. For example, the NAV field may reserve at least the next subframe (period of 1 millisecond). However, more typically, the NAV field may reserve at least the next 5 subframes (up to a maximum consistent with the principle of "listen before you say"). The RTS 2005 Receiver Address (RA) address field may contain several hashes of a cell radio network temporary identifier (C-RNTI) for a set of UEs served by LTE-U eNB.

[0272] The RTS signal, for example, RTS 2005, can be used before being allowed to transmit on the UL to protect the subsequent transmission on the UL. In a standalone deployment, such as the deployment described above with respect to FIG. 2B, the RTS signal may also be sent before transmitting on a physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) to protect a subsequent UL subframe in which HARQ feedback (ACK / NACK) can be sent by the UE spectrum). In response to the RTS signal, at least the UEs that are contained for reference in the RA field of the RTS signal can respond by sending a CTS signal if they allow data / overhead signals to be received from the eNB. Other UEs served by LTE-U eNBs that may want to send a scheduling request (SR) or an incomplete CSI message may also respond with a CTS signal. Unlike Wi-Fi, the CTS sent by LTE-U UE contains the MAC ID of the serving eNB in the TA field. The NAV field in the CTS may be determined from the corresponding RTS signal.

[0273] Returning to FIG. 20, UEs referred to / served by a transmitting eNB may send a common CTS signal 2010 (or CTS 2010) via a short interframe interval (SIFS) after RTS 2005. The common CTS 2010 enables the UE to acquire the channel as quickly as possible. For the remaining duration of subframe 9, before the next subframe boundary (with subframe 10), UEs identified by RTS 2005 can send individual CTS signals 2015 (or CTS 2015) that are separated in time. Diversity may depend on the order in which UEs are identified in the RA RTS 2005 field. The TA field in each of the individual CTS 2015s can carry the full identification hash. Separate CTS 2015s indicate to the eNB that the UEs are ready to accept data / permission to transmit. The use of separate CTS 2015 provides a better scheduling scheme, more efficient use of the channel by using FDMA for multiple UEs. After Subframe 9, which includes RTS 2005, the total CTS 2010 and the individual CTSs 2015, the next subframe 710-a (subframe 10) may include PDSCH 2020, 2020-a and 2020-b transmissions.

[0274] FIG. 21 shows a flow chart of a method 2100 for transmitting RTS signals and receiving CTS signals in an unlicensed spectrum according to various embodiments. Method 2100 may be implemented using, for example, base stations or eNBs 105, 105-a, and 105-b of FIG. 1, fig. 2A and FIG. 2B, respectively; and / or systems 100 of FIG. 1 and parts of the system 100 of FIG. 2A and FIG. 2b. In one implementation, one of the eNB 105 may perform one or more sets of codes in order to control the functional elements of the eNB 105 in such a way as to perform the functions described below.

[0275] At step 2105, a channel state assessment (CCA) may be performed in order to determine the availability of unlicensed spectrum.

[0276] At step 2110, an RTS signal (for example, RTS 2005) may be transmitted to the UE using an unlicensed spectrum when a determination is made that unlicensed spectrum is available (for example, CCA succeeds).

[0277] At step 2115, a common CTS signal (for example, CTS 2010) and a separate CTS signal (for example, CTS 2015) may be received from one or more UEs in response to the RTS signal.

[0278] The RTS signal may be received at a UE in a set of UEs over an unlicensed spectrum, and a common CTS signal and a corresponding separate CTS signal may be transmitted from each UE, over an unlicensed spectrum, in response to the RTS signal.

[0279] In some embodiments of the method 2100, transmitting the RTS signal includes transmitting the RTS signal before allowing uplink transmission to protect subsequent uplink transmission on the unlicensed spectrum from the UE set. The RTS signal may include the source MAC identifier (e.g., eNB) of the RTS signal. The source MAC identifier may include, for example, a 48-bit MAC identifier. The RTS signal may include a hashed version of the MAC identifier of the UE in the set.

[0280] In some embodiments of the method 2100, the common CTS signal may be received via SIFS after transmitting the RTS signal, and the common CTS signal may include the source MAC identifier of the RTS signal. Each of the individual received CTS signals may include the source MAC identifier of the RTS signal and the MAC identifier of the UE transmitting a separate CTS signal. Separate CTS signals can be received at times with a shift.

[0281] In some embodiments of the method 2100, the CCA may be performed during the subframe of the current gating interval, the RTS signal may be transmitted after the CCA, and the common CTS and individual CTS signals may be received before the end of the subframe. In some embodiments, the implementation, the time associated with the CCA, and the time associated with the subsequent transmission of the RTS signal can be randomly separated between different eNBs to prevent collisions in devices that receive the RTS signal. In addition, the time associated with the CCA and the time associated with the subsequent transfer of the RTS signal can be mutually separated in order to eliminate collisions in devices that receive the RTS signal, and the separation is based at least on the coordination of the transmission signals exchanged by eNB.

[0282] Referring next to FIG. 22A, a diagram 2200 is shown that illustrates an example of virtual CTS (V-CTS) signals in a licensed spectrum according to various embodiments. V-CTS signals may be transmitted by UEs that support LTE-U (LTE-U UE). Examples of such UEs may be UE 115, 115-a, 115-b, and in FIG. 1, fig. 2A. and FIG. 2B, respectively.

[0283] After the DCF interframe interval (DIFS), which may include a CCA (for example, 4 milliseconds), occurring each time the medium is released, the eNB (for example, base station 105) may send the RTS signal 2205 (or RTS 2205 ) in an unlicensed spectrum, addressing all UEs of interest (for example, UE ₁ , ..., UE _n ) with NAV. After the SIFS interval, the eNB sends an auto-CTS in the unlicensed spectrum. The ENB can immediately dispatch downlink traffic based on current information for the rest of the subframe and continue scheduling and ACK 2230. Dispatching can be performed using the physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) and PDSCH in the 2220 and 2225 signals. UEs addressed via RTS 2205, may send back, in the licensed spectrum, V-CTS signals 2215 (or V-CTS 2215) with updated measurements (eg, RTS / CTS measurements) to the eNB to improve future scheduling. In this scenario, the overhead CTS signals are transmitted virtually or out of band (outside the unlicensed spectrum) by simultaneously using the licensed spectrum in LTE-U.

[0284] Referring next to FIG. 22B, a diagram 2200-a is shown that illustrates an example of virtual RTS (V-RTS) signals in a licensed spectrum in accordance with various embodiments. V-RTS signals may be transmitted by eNBs that support LTE-U (LTE-U eNB). Examples of such eNBs may be base stations 105, 105-a, and 105-b of FIG. 1, fig. 2A. and FIG. 2B, respectively.

[0285] After a DIFS interval, which may include a CCA (for example, 4 milliseconds) that occurs every time the medium is released, the eNB (for example, base station 105) may poll UEs of interest (for example, UE ₁ , ... , UE _n ) in the primary cell (PCell), when the medium or channel is read as free or available. The ENB should send only the auto-CTS signal 2210 (or auto-CTS 2210) in the unlicensed spectrum in order to reduce the overhead. The ENB sends a V-RTS signal 2235 (or V-RTS 2235) using a licensed spectrum, and UEs addressed by V-RTS 2235 can respond by sending a V-CTS 2215-a also in the licensed spectrum. In this scenario, all the signaling required for RTS and CTS is performed virtually or out of band (outside the unlicensed spectrum) by simultaneously using the licensed spectrum in LTE-U. Similar to the scenario in FIG. 22A, the eNB may proceed to sending scheduling information using signals 2220 and 2225 (eg, PDCCH and PDSCH).

[0286] FIG. 23 shows a flow chart of a method 2300 for transmitting an RTS signal or a V-RTS signal according to various embodiments. Method 2300 may be implemented using, for example, base stations or eNBs 105, 105-a and 105-b of FIG. 1, fig. 2A and FIG. 2B, respectively; and / or systems 100 of FIG. 1 and parts of the system 100 of FIG. 2A and FIG. 2b. In one implementation, one of the eNB 105 may perform one or more sets of codes in order to control the functional elements of the eNB 105 in such a way as to perform the functions described below.

[0287] At step 2305, an RTS signal (eg, RTS 2205) may be transmitted in an unlicensed spectrum, or a V-RTS signal (eg, RTS 2235) may be transmitted in a licensed spectrum addressed to the UE (for example, UE ₁ , ..., UE _n ).

[0288] At step 2310, the auto-CTS signal may be transmitted in the unlicensed spectrum along with the transmission of the V-RTS signal.

[0289] The RTS signal or the V-RTS signal can be received at the UE in the UE set over the unlicensed spectrum.

[0290] In some embodiments of the method 2300, a V-CTS signal may be received in a licensed spectrum for each of the UEs in a set in response to an RTS signal or a V-RTS signal. The V-CTS signal may include measurements taken by the corresponding UE for use in future scheduling. In some embodiments, the traffic may be scheduled after receiving the V-CTS signals based on the current channel information for the remainder of the subframe. The RTS signal may be transmitted in the downlink primary component carrier.

[0291] FIG. 24 shows a flow chart of a method 2400 for receiving V-CTS signals in response to an RTS signal or a V-RTS signal in accordance with various embodiments. Method 2400 may be implemented using, for example, base stations or eNBs 105, 105-a and 105-b of FIG. 1, fig. 2A and FIG. 2B, respectively; and / or systems 100 of FIG. 1 and parts of the system 100 of FIG. 2A and FIG. 2b. In one implementation, one of the eNB 105 may perform one or more sets of codes in order to control the functional elements of the eNB 105 in such a way as to perform the functions described below.

[0292] At step 2405, an RTS signal (for example, RTS 2205) may be transmitted in an unlicensed spectrum, or a V-RTS signal (for example, RTS 2235) may be transmitted in a licensed spectrum addressed to a UE set (for example, UE ₁ , ..., UE _n ).

[0293] In step 2410, an auto-CTS signal may be transmitted in the unlicensed spectrum along with the transmission of the V-RTS signal.

[0294] At step 2415, the V-CTS signal may be received in the licensed spectrum from each of the UEs in the set in response to the RTS signal or the V-RTS signal.

[0295] At step 2420, traffic may be scheduled after receiving the V-CTS signals based on the current channel information for the remainder of the subframe.

[0296] An RTS signal or a V-RTS signal may be received at a UE in a UE set over an unlicensed spectrum, and a V-CTS signal may be transmitted from each UE, over an unlicensed spectrum, in response to an RTS signal or V-RTS signal.

[0297] Referring next to FIG. 25, a diagram 2500 is shown that illustrates examples of normal and reliable subframes in an unlicensed spectrum according to various embodiments. Normal and reliable subframes can be transmitted by eNBs that support LTE-U (LTE-U eNB). Examples of such eNBs may be base stations 105, 105-a, and 105-b of FIG. 1, fig. 2A. and FIG. 2B, respectively. Normal and reliable subframes can be used by UEs that support LTE-U (LTE-U UE). Examples of such UEs may be UEs 115, 115-a and 115-b of FIG. 1, fig. 2A. and FIG. 2B, respectively.

[0298] A normal subframe 2505 is shown based on inherited carrier type (LCT). Normal LCT subframes 2505 may be used for LCT waveforms and may carry PDCCH and time division multiplexed (TDM) CRS. Also shown is a normal subframe 2515 based on a new type of carrier (NCT). Normal NCT subframes 2514 may be used for NCT signal forms, but may not include TDM PDCCH and CRS. Instead, the UE may use channel state information reference signals (CSI-RS) for feedback and UE-RS for demodulation. In addition to the normal LCT and NCT subframes, FIG. 25 shows reliable LCT subframe 2510 and reliable NCT subframe 2520. Reliable subframes may differ from normal in that they may include additional pilot signals (eg, common pilot signals, eCRS) compared to normal subframes that can be used to simplify time-frequency tracking and channel estimation at a UE after a long period of locking transmissions over LTE DL.

[0299] For gated forms of the LCT signal, SYNC subframes (eg, subframes carrying PSS, SSS, (possibly) PBCH, in addition to other LTE subchannels) can be transmitted in subframe index = 0 (mod 5). Reliable LCT subframes 2510 may be transmitted for the first X subframes after a locking period that exceeds the Y subframes. The parameters X and Y can vary, for example, based on the subframe structure and usage rules. Normal LCT subframes 2505 may be transmitted in all other unlocking periods.

[0300] For gated forms of the NCT signal, SYNC subframes can be transmitted in subframe index = 0 (mod 5). Reliable NCT subframes 2520 may be transmitted for the first X subframes after a locking period that exceeds the Y subframes. The parameters X and Y can vary, for example, based on the subframe structure and usage rules. Normal NCT subframes 2515 may be transmitted in all other unlocking periods.

[0301] FIG. 26 shows a flow chart of a method 2600 for transmitting normal or reliable subframes in an unlicensed spectrum according to various embodiments. Method 2600 may be implemented using, for example, base stations or eNBs 105, 105-a and 105-b of FIG. 1, fig. 2A and FIG. 2B, respectively; and / or systems 100 of FIG. 1 and parts of the system 100 of FIG. 2A and FIG. 2b.

[0302] At step 2605, previous transmission operations in an unlicensed spectrum can be compared with a threshold value of operations (for example, the number of unlocked unlock periods for a certain period of time, the number of unlicensed unlock periods for a certain period of time, and / or the number of SYNC- subframes transmitted in an unlicensed spectrum for a certain period of time).

[0303] At step 2610, a first type of subframe (for example, normal LCT / NCT subframes) may be transmitted in an unlicensed spectrum during the next active transmission when previous transmission operations are greater than the operation threshold.

[0304] At step 2615, a second type of subframe (for example, reliable LCT / NCT subframes) may be transmitted in an unlicensed spectrum during the next active transmission when previous transmission operations are less than the operation threshold value. The second type of subframe may include a more reliable type of subframe relative to the first type of subframe.

[0305] In some embodiments of the method 2600, the first type of subframe may include an LCT subframe. In some embodiments, the first type of subframe may include NCT subframes. In some embodiments, the second type of subframe may include an LCT subframe with additional common pilot signals for tracking and channel estimation. In some embodiments, the second type of subframe may include NCT subframes with additional common pilot signals for tracking and channel estimation. The method may include transmitting a first type of subframe in an unlicensed spectrum after a predetermined number of transmissions of a second type of subframe has been identified.

[0306] Referring next to FIG. 27, a diagram 2700 is shown that illustrates examples of physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) signals and physical uplink shared channel signals (PUSCH) for unlicensed spectrum according to various embodiments. PUCCH and PUSCH signals can be processed by eNBs that support LTE-U (LTE-U eNB). Examples of such eNBs may be base stations 105, 105-a, and 105-b of FIG. 1, fig. 2A and FIG. 2B, respectively. PUCCH and PUSCH signals can be processed by UEs that support LTE-U (LTE-U UE). Examples of such UEs may be UEs 115, 115-a and 115-b of FIG. 1, fig. 2A and FIG. 2B, respectively.

[0307] PUCCH and PUSCH signals are typically based on localized frequency division multiplexing (LFDM) waveforms that occupy a set of subcarriers, with a different modulation symbol sent for each subcarrier, or some pre-coding is performed before sending the frequency domain waveform. When using these waveforms, the small amounts of data available to send result in a small portion of the spectrum occupied. Due to limitations in transmit power spectral density (Tx-PSD), while occupying a small portion of the passband, a small amount of power is transmitted. To avoid this, it may be necessary to occupy almost the extent of the entire waveform. But if most of the waveform is involved and does not leave unused subcarriers, it may not be possible to multiplex different users for a given amount of bandwidth. One approach to solve this problem is to instruct each transmitter to interleave its signals in such a way that they take up every 1 of every Nth subcarrier (for example, 1 out of 10, 1 out of 12), due to this leaving many subcarriers in the middle unoccupied. This approach can increase the nominal bandwidth utilization in order to send a waveform with a higher power level (but still with a sufficiently low PSD to meet the standards). Frequency division multiplexing with interleaved (IFDM) and orthogonal frequency division multiplexing with interleaved (I-OFDM) signals that take 1 of the Nth subcarrier to send signals limited to these subcarriers can be used. FIG. 25, the IFDM waveforms are shown to generate PUCCH signals 2705 and PUSCH signals 2710 for transmission in an unlicensed spectrum. Similarly, I-OFDM waveforms are shown in order to generate PUCCH signals 2715 and PUSCH signals 2720 for transmission in an unlicensed spectrum.

[0308] FIG. 28 shows a flow chart of a method 2800 for generating PUCCH and / or PUSCH signals for an unlicensed spectrum in accordance with various embodiments. Method 2800 may be implemented using, for example, base stations or eNBs 105, 105-a and 105-b of FIG. 1, fig. 2A and FIG. 2B, respectively; The UEs 115, 115-a and 115-b of FIG. 1, fig. 2A and FIG. 2B, respectively; and / or systems 100 of FIG. 1 and parts of the system 100 of FIG. 2A and FIG. 2b. In one implementation, one of the eNB 105 or one of the UE 115 may perform one or more sets of codes in order to control the functional elements of the eNB 105 or UE 115 in such a way as to perform the functions described below.

[0309] In step 2805, one or both of the PUCCH signals and PUSCH signals may be generated based on interleaved signals that increase the nominal bandwidth occupancy in the unlicensed spectrum.

[0310] At step 2810, the generated signals may be transmitted (for example, by an eNB) in an unlicensed spectrum. In some embodiments, the interleaved signals may include IFDM signals. In some embodiments, the interlaced signals may include I-OFDM signals.

[0311] One or both of the generated signals may be received in the unlicensed spectrum, for example, by a UE.

[0312] Referring next to FIG. 29, a diagram 2900 is shown that illustrates an example of load-based gating in an unlicensed spectrum according to various embodiments. Load based gating can be performed by eNBs that support LTE-U (LTE-U eNB). Examples of such eNBs may be base stations 105, 105-a, and 105-b of FIG. 1, fig. 2A and FIG. 2B, respectively.

[0313] The listen-before-say (LBT) technologies described above can be used in a frame-based device (FBE). However, other LBT technologies are also available that are based on load based device (LBE). LBT-FBE technologies are based partly on gating, which preserves the structure of a radio frame of 10 milliseconds of LTE. The use of smaller gating structures (1 millisecond, 2 milliseconds), while ensuring periodic gating, tends not to retain the structure of the LTE frame. The use of LBT-LBE can provide potential benefits in the form of preserving the structure of an LTE subframe of PHY channels without the need to puncture characters at the beginning or end. However, time reuse between different LTE-U-nodes can no longer be guaranteed with respect to identical deployment, since each eNB uses its own random rollback time for a return CCA. Therefore, for LBT-LBE, CCA may be similar to CCA for LBT-FBE, but extended CCA (which is not used in LBT-FBE) can be based on a random selection of integer N (for example, 1≤N≤q) and waiting for N CCA -duration when the channel is idle.

[0314] Transmission in different subframes (SF) in a sequence of subframes transmitted on a channel with an unlicensed spectrum may be based on results from extended CCA and from CCA. Extended CCA can be based on the parameter 4 ≤ q ≤ 32, the value of which is notified by the manufacturer. When a channel has a long break, CCA may need to be performed. If the CCA finds an idle channel, it may be possible to start the transmission immediately. If not, extended CCA may be performed before transmission. After the transmission begins, it can last at most (13/32) x q ms (called the “maximum channel busy time”) before another extended CCA may have to be performed. Upon successful reception (from another node), the ACK / NACK transmission can begin immediately (without) the CCA, provided that the last successful CCA / extended CCA was performed in less than the maximum channel busy time before.

[0315] Returning to the example of FIG. 29, the CCA time can be set to 25 μs and q = 24, so the maximum channel busy time is approximately 9.75 milliseconds. The minimum idle time for extended CCA is approximately between 25 μs and 0.6 milliseconds. CUBS can be used to fill the interval of the absence of a signal, as described above. In this example, extended CCA 720-m is performed on subframe (SF) 8 in sequence 2905. The maximum channel busy time is such that the next extended CCA 720-m does not have to be performed before SF 18. Transmissions on the downlink LTE link can carried out during SF 9-12 as a result of channel release after the first extended CCA 720-m. Since there is an interval of no signal transmission after SF 12, CCA 720-n can be performed in SF 15 for additional transmissions within the maximum channel busy time. As a result of the CCA 720-n, LTE transmissions may occur in SFs 16 and 17. As noted above, the second enhanced CCA 720-m may occur after the maximum channel busy time, which in this example leads to additional LTE transmissions in SF 22-25.

[0316] Referring to FIG. 30, a diagram 3000 is shown that illustrates a UE 115-d configured for LTE-U. UE 115-d may have various other configurations and may be included or part of a personal computer (eg, laptop, netbook, tablet computer, etc.), cell phone, PDA, digital video recorder (DVR), devices with connection to the Internet, game console, electronic reading devices, etc. The UE 115-d may have an internal power source (not shown), such as a small battery, to facilitate mobile operation. The station UE 115-d may be an example of the UE 115, 115-a, 115-b, and 115-c of FIG. 1, fig. 2A, FIG. 2B and FIG. 16, respectively. The UE 115-d may be configured to implement at least some of the features and functions described above with respect to FIG. 1-29.

[0317] UE 115-d may include a processor module 3010, a memory module 3020, a transceiver module 3040, antennas 3050, and a UE mode switching module 3060. Each of these components can communicate with each other, directly or indirectly, on one or more tires 3005.

[0318] The storage device module 3020 may include random access memory (RAM) and read-only memory (ROM). A memory module 3020 can store a computer readable computer-executable software (SW) code 3025 containing instructions that are configured to, when executed, instruct processor module 3010 to perform various functions described herein for using LTE based communication in the unlicensed spectrum. Alternatively, the program code 3025 may not be directly executable by the processor module 3010, but rather configured to instruct the computer (for example, when compiling and performing) to perform the functions described in this document.

[0319] The processor module 3010 may include an intelligent hardware device, for example, a central processing unit (CPU), a microcontroller, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), etc. The processor module 3010 can process information received via the transceiver module 3040 and / or which should be sent to the transceiver module 3040 for transmission via antennas 3050. The processor module 3010 can process, alone or together with the mode switch 3060 UE, various aspects of using LTE based communications in the unlicensed spectrum.

[0320] The transceiver unit 3040 may be configured to exchange data bidirectionally with base stations (eg, base stations 105). A transmitter / receiver unit 3040 may be implemented as one or more transmitter unit modules and one or more separate receiver unit modules. Module 3040 transceiver can support communication in the licensed spectrum (for example, LTE) and in the unlicensed spectrum (for example, LTE-U). Transmitting receiver module 3040 may include a modem configured to modulate packets and provide modulated packets to antennas 3050 for transmission and to demodulate packets received from antennas 3050. Although UE 115-d may include one antenna, options for implementation, in which the UE 115-d may include multiple antennas 3050.

[0321] According to the architecture of FIG. 30, UE 115-d may further include a communication control module 3030. The communication control module 3030 can manage communications with various access points. The communication control module 3030 may be a component of UE 115-d in communication with some or all of the other components of UE 115-d over one or more buses 3005. Alternatively, the functionality of the communication control module 3030 may be implemented as a component of the transmitter and receiver module 3040 as a computer software product and / or as one or more elements of the controller of the processor module 3010.

[0322] The UE mode switching module 3060 may be configured to perform and / or control some or all of the functions or aspects described in FIG. 1-29 relating to the use of LTE based communications in the unlicensed spectrum. For example, the UE mode switching module 3060 may be configured to support an additional downlink mode, a carrier aggregation mode, and / or an autonomous mode operation in the unlicensed spectrum. The UE mode switching module 3060 may include an LTE module 3061 configured to process the LTE communication, an LTE unlicensed spectrum operation module 3062, configured to process the LTE-U communication, and an unlicensed spectrum mode 3063, configured to handle communication other than LTE-U in an unlicensed spectrum. Module 3060 mode switching UE or its parts can be a processor. In addition, some or all of the functionality of the UE mode switching module 3060 may be performed by the processor module 3010 and / or in conjunction with the processor 3010.

[0323] Referring to FIG. 31, a diagram 3100 is shown that illustrates a base station or eNB 105d configured for LTE-U. In some embodiments, base station 105d may be an example of base stations 105, 105-a, 105-b, and 105-c of FIG. 1, fig. 2A, FIG. 2B and FIG. 16, respectively. Base station 105d may be configured to implement at least some of the features and functions described above with respect to FIG. 1-29. Base station 105d may include a processor module 3110, a memory module 3120, a transceiver module 3130, an antenna 3140, and a base station mode switch 3190. The base station 105d may also include one or both of the base station communication module 3160 and the network communication module 3170. Each of these components can communicate with each other, directly or indirectly, on one or more tires 3105.

[0324] The memory module 3120 may include RAM and ROM. The memory module 3120 may also store a machine-readable computer-executable software (SW) code 3125 containing instructions that are configured to, when executed, instruct the processor module 3110 to perform various functions described herein for using LTE based communication in the unlicensed spectrum. Alternatively, the program code 3125 may not be directly executed by the processor module 3110, but rather configured to instruct the computer, for example, to compile and execute, to perform the functions described in this document.

[0325] The processor module 3110 may include an intelligent hardware device, for example, a CPU, a microcontroller, an ASIC, etc. The processor module 3110 may process information received via the transceiver module 3130, the base station communication module 3160, and / or the network communication module 3170. The processor module 3110 may also process information that is to be sent to the transceiver module 3130 for transmission via antennas 3140 to the base station communication module 3160 and / or the network communication module 3170. The processor module 3110 may process, alone or in conjunction with the base station mode switching module 3190, various aspects of using LTE based communications in the unlicensed spectrum.

[0326] The transceiver unit 3130 may include a modem configured to modulate packets and provide modulated packets to antennas 3140 for transmission and demodulate packets received from the antennas 3140. The transceiver unit 3130 may be implemented as one or more transmitter modules; and one or more individual receiver modules. Module 3130 transceiver can support communication in the licensed spectrum (for example, LTE) and in the unlicensed spectrum (for example, LTE-U). A transceiver unit 3130 may be configured to exchange data bi-directionally, for example, via antennas 3140, with one or more UEs 115, as illustrated in FIG. 1, fig. 2A, FIG. 2B and FIG. 16. Base station 105d may typically include multiple antennas 3140 (eg, an antenna array). The base station 105d may communicate with the core network 130-a via the network communication module 3170. The core network 130-a may be an example of the core network 130 of FIG. 1. The base station 105d may communicate with other base stations, such as base station 105-e and base station 105-f, using the communication module 3160 of the base station.

[0327] According to the architecture of FIG. 31, base station 105d may further include a communication control module 3150. The communication control module 3150 can manage communications with stations and / or other devices. The communication control module 3150 may communicate with some or all of the other components of the base station 105d via the bus or the 3105 tires. Alternatively, the functionality of the communication control module 3150 may be implemented as a component of the transceiver unit 3130, as a computer program product, and / or as one or more elements of the controller module processor 3110.

[0328] The base station mode switching module 3190 may be configured to perform and / or control some or all of the functions or aspects described in FIG. 1-29 relating to the use of LTE based communications in the unlicensed spectrum. For example, the base station mode switching module 3190 may be configured to support an additional downlink mode, a carrier aggregation mode, and / or an autonomous mode operation in the unlicensed spectrum. The base station mode switching module 3190 may include an LTE module 3191 configured to process the LTE communication, an LTE unlicensed spectrum operation module 3192 configured to process the LTE-U communication, and an unlicensed spectrum operation module 3193 , configured to handle communication other than LTE-U in an unlicensed spectrum. Module 3190 switching modes of the base station or its parts can be a processor. In addition, some or all of the functionality of the base station mode switch 3190 may be performed by the processor module 3110 and / or in conjunction with the processor 3110.

[0329] Referring next to FIG. 32, a block diagram of a multi-input multiple-output multi-output (MIMO) system 3200 is shown, including base station 105-g and a subscriber unit or UE 115-e. Base station 105-g and UE 115-e can support LTE-based communications using unlicensed spectrum (LTE-U). Base station 105-g may be an example of base stations 105, 105-a, 105-b and 105-c of FIG. 1, fig. 2A, FIG. 2B and FIG. 16, while UE 115-e may be an example of UE 115, 115-a, 115-b and 115-c of FIG. 1, fig. 2A, FIG. 2B and FIG. 16. System 3200 may illustrate aspects of system 100 of FIG. 1 and aspects of parts of the system 100 shown in FIG. 2A and FIG. 2b.

[0330] The base station 105-g may be equipped with antennas 3234-a to 3234-x, and the UE 115-e may be equipped with antennas 3252-a to 3252-n. In system 3200, base station 105-g may be able to send data on multiple communication lines simultaneously. Each link can be called a "level", and the "rank" of the link can indicate the number of levels used for communication. For example, in a 2x2 MIMO system in which base station 800 transmits via two “layers”, the rank of the communication link between base station 105-g and UE 115-e is two.

[0331] In base station 105-g, transmit processor (Tx) 3220 may receive data from a data source. Transmit processor 3220 may process data. Transmit processor 3220 may also generate reference symbols and a cell-specific reference signal. MIMO processor 3230 transmission (Tx) can perform spatial processing (eg, pre-coding) for data symbols, control characters and / or reference symbols, if applicable, and can provide output symbol streams to 3232-a-3232-x modulators. Each modulator 3232 may process a corresponding output symbol stream (eg, for OFDM, etc.) to obtain an output stream of samples. Each 3232 modulator can optionally process (for example, convert to analog, amplify, filter, and upconvert) the output sample stream in order to obtain a downlink (DL) signal. In one example, DL signals from 3232-a to 3232-x modulators can be transmitted via antennas 3234-a to 3234-x, respectively.

[0332] At UE 115-e, antennas 3252-a - 3252-n can receive DL signals from base station 105-g and can provide received signals to demodulators 3254-a - 3254-n, respectively. Each demodulator 3254 can lead to the required parameters (for example, filter, amplify, convert with decreasing frequency and digitize) the corresponding received signal in order to obtain input samples. Each demodulator 3254 may further process input samples (e.g., for OFDM, etc.) to obtain received symbols. The MIMO detector 3256 can receive received symbols from all 3254-a to 3254-n demodulators, perform MIMO detection for received symbols, if applicable, and provide detected symbols. A receive (Rx) processor 3258 may process (eg, demodulate, deinterleave, and decode) detected symbols, providing decoded data for UE 115-e to the data output, and provide decoded control information to processor 3280 or memory 3282. 3281 module or function that can perform various functions related to the use of LTE-based communication in an unlicensed spectrum. For example, a module or function 3281 may perform some or all of the functions described above with reference to FIG. 1-29.

[0333] On the uplink (UL), in UE 115-e, a transmit (Tx) processor 3264 can receive and process data from a data source. A transmit processor 3264 may also generate reference symbols for the reference signal. The symbols from the transmission processor 3264 may be pre-coded by the transmission MIMO processor 3266 (Tx), if applicable, further processed by demodulators 3254-a - 3254-n (for example, for SC-FDMA, etc.) and transmitted to the base station 105-g in accordance with transmission parameters received from base station 105-g. At base station 105-g, UL signals from UE 115-e can be received by antennas 3234, processed by demodulators 3232, detected by a MIMO detector 3236, if applicable, and further processed by a receiving processor. A receive (Rx) processor 3238 may provide decoded data to a data output and to a processor 3240. The processor 3240 may include a module or function 3241 that can perform various aspects related to the use of LTE based communications in the unlicensed spectrum. For example, a module or function 3241 may perform some or all of the functions described above with reference to FIG. 1-29.

[0334] The components of base station 105-g may, individually or jointly, be implemented using one or more specialized integrated circuits (ASICs) adapted to perform some or all of the applicable functions in hardware. Each of the marked modules can be a means to perform one or more functions related to the operation of the 3200 system. Similarly, the components of the UE 115-e can be implemented individually or together using one or more specialized integrated circuits (ASICs) adapted the ability to perform some or all of the applicable functions in hardware. Each of the marked components may be a means to perform one or more functions related to the operation of the 3200 system.

[0335] It should be noted that the various methods described in flowcharts are only one implementation, and that the operations of these methods can be re-arranged or otherwise modified in such a way that other implementations are possible.

[0336] The detailed description set forth above in connection with the accompanying drawings describes exemplary embodiments and does not represent the only embodiments that can be implemented or which are within the scope of the claims. The term “exemplary” used in this description means “serving as an example or illustration,” and not “preferred” or “advantageous over other embodiments”. The detailed description includes specific details for the purpose of providing an understanding of the technologies described. However, these technologies can be implemented in practice without these specific details. In some cases, common structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid difficulties in understanding the principles of the described embodiments.

[0337] Information and signals may be represented using any of a variety of different technologies. For example, data, instructions, instructions, information, signals, bits, symbols, and pseudo-noise sequence symbols, which can be cited as an example in the above description, can be represented by voltages, currents, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or particles, optical fields or particles. or any combination of the above.

[0338] The various illustrative blocks and modules described in connection with the disclosure of the entity herein may be implemented or implemented using a general purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a user programmable gate array (FPGA ) or another programmable logic device, a discrete logic element or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination of the above, designed to We perform the functions described in this document. A general purpose processor may be a microprocessor, but in the alternative, the processor may be any conventional processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. A processor can also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, for example, a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, several microprocessors, one or more microprocessors with a DSP core, or any other similar configuration.

[0339] The functions described herein may be implemented in hardware, software executed by a processor, firmware, or any combination of the above. If implemented in software executed by a processor, the functions may be stored or transmitted as one or more instructions or code on a computer-readable medium. Other examples and implementations are within the scope and essence of the disclosure of the essence and the attached claims. For example, due to the nature of the software, the functions described above may be implemented using software executed by a processor, hardware, firmware, fixed wiring, or combinations of any of the above. The features that implement the functions can also be physically located in different positions, including according to such distribution that parts of the functions are implemented in different physical locations. In addition, when used in this document, including the claims, "or", used in the list of elements preceded by "at least one of", indicates a separator list, so that, for example, the list "at least , one of A, B or C "means A or B or C or AB or AC, or BC, or ABC (i.e. A and B and C)

[0340] Computer readable media includes both computer storage media and communication media including any medium that facilitates the movement of a computer program from one place to another. The storage medium may be any available medium that can be accessed through a general purpose or special purpose computer. By way of example, and not limitation, computer-readable media may include RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM, or other optical storage device, magnetic storage device or other magnetic storage device, or any other medium that can be used for transfer or store the required program code facility in the form of instructions or data structures, and which can be accessed through a general-purpose or special-purpose computer or a common processor Achen or special purpose. Also, any connection is correctly called a machine-readable medium. For example, if software is transmitted from a Web site, server, or other remote source using coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, digital subscriber line (DSL), or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio, and microwave, then coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, DSL, or wireless technologies, such as infrared, radio transmission, and microwave, are included in the definition of carrier. The disk and disk when used in this document include a compact disk (CD), a laser disk, an optical disk, a digital versatile disk (DVD), a floppy disk and a Blu-Ray® disk, with the disks ( disk) usually reproduce data magnetically, whereas discs (usually) reproduce data optically with lasers. Combinations of the above are also included in the number of machine-readable media.

[0341] The above description of the disclosure is provided to enable those skilled in the art to create or use the disclosure. Various modifications to the disclosure should be obvious to those skilled in the art, and the general principles described in this document can be applied to other options without departing from the essence and scope of the disclosure. In this disclosure, the term “example” or “exemplary” indicates an example or case and does not imply or require any preference for the example. Thus, the disclosure of the entity is not limited to the examples and schemes described in this document, but must satisfy the broadest scope consistent with the principles and new features disclosed in this document.

Claims (42)

1. A wireless communication method comprising: both the physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) signals and the physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) signals are generated using at least one interleaved signal, with each interleaved signal from this at least one interleaved signal occupying a set of non-interlaced subcarriers, so that each subcarrier in this set is separated from the next subcarrier in this set by a fixed number of subcarriers not included in this set, while non-adjacent interleaved ignals increase nominal bandwidth occupancy in the unlicensed spectrum; and transmit the generated signals in the unlicensed spectrum, and the generated signals are limited to the at least one interleaved signal. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein said at least one interleaved signal comprises at least one waveform corresponding to orthogonal frequency division multiplexing with interleaving (I-OFDM). 3. The method according to claim 1, wherein said at least one interleaved signal comprises at least one waveform corresponding to frequency division multiplexed interleaved (IFDM). 4. A device for wireless communication, comprising: Means for generating both physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) signals and physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) signals using at least one interleaved signal, each interleaved signal from the at least one interleaved signal occupying a set of non-adjacent subcarriers, so that each subcarrier in this set is separated from the neighboring subcarrier in this set by a fixed number of subcarriers that are not included in this set, while the non-adjacent intermittent signals increase the nominal bandwidth occupancy in the unlicensed spectrum; and means for transmitting the generated signals in the unlicensed spectrum, the generated signals being limited to the at least one interleaved signal. 5. The device according to claim 4, wherein said at least one interleaved signal comprises at least one waveform corresponding to orthogonal frequency division multiplexing with interleaved (I-OFDM). 6. The device according to claim 4, wherein said at least one interleaved signal comprises at least one waveform corresponding to frequency division multiplexing with interleaving (IFDM). 7. A device for wireless communication, comprising: CPU; a storage device in electronic communication with the processor; and instructions stored in the storage device, and the instructions are executed by the processor in order to: generate both physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) signals and physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) signals using at least one interleaved signal, with each interleaved signal from this at least one interleaved signal taking a set of subcarriers, so that each subcarrier in this set is separated from the next subcarrier in this set by a fixed number of subcarriers that are not included in this set, while non-adjacent interlaced increase the nominal time signals bandwidth in the unlicensed spectrum; and transmit the generated signals in the unlicensed spectrum, and the generated signals are limited to the at least one interleaved signal. 8. The device according to claim 7, wherein said at least one interleaved signal comprises at least one waveform corresponding to orthogonal frequency division multiplexing with interleaved (I-OFDM). 9. The device according to claim 7, wherein said at least one interleaved signal comprises at least one waveform corresponding to frequency division multiplexed interleaving (IFDM). 10. A long-term machine-readable medium storing instructions for communication by a wireless communication device in a wireless communication system, which instructions are executable by a processor for prescribing a wireless communication device: generate both physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) signals and physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) signals using at least one interleaved signal, with each interleaved signal from this at least one interleaved signal taking a set of subcarriers, so that each subcarrier in this set is separated from the next subcarrier in this set by a fixed number of subcarriers that are not included in this set, while non-adjacent interlaced increase the nominal time signals bandwidth in the unlicensed spectrum; and transmit the generated signals in the unlicensed spectrum, and the generated signals are limited to the at least one interleaved signal. 11. The long-term machine-readable medium of clause 10, wherein said at least one interleaved signal comprises at least one waveform corresponding to orthogonal frequency division multiplexing with interleaved (I-OFDM). 12. The durable machine-readable medium of claim 10, wherein said at least one interleaved signal comprises at least one waveform corresponding to frequency division multiplexing with interleaving (IFDM). 13. A wireless communication method comprising: in the unlicensed spectrum, both the physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) signals and the physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) signals are received using at least one interleaved signal, each interleaved signal from this at least one the interleaved signal occupies a set of non-adjacent subcarriers, so that each subcarrier in this set is separated from the adjacent subcarrier in this set by a fixed number of subcarriers not included in this set, with In this case, non-contiguous interlaced signals increase the nominal bandwidth occupancy in the unlicensed spectrum. 14. The method of claim 13, wherein said at least one interleaved signal comprises at least one waveform corresponding to orthogonal frequency division multiplexing with interleaved (I-OFDM). 15. The method of claim 13, wherein said at least one interleaved signal comprises at least one waveform corresponding to frequency division multiplexed interleaving (IFDM). 16. A device for wireless communications, comprising: means for receiving, in an unlicensed spectrum, physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) signals using at least one interleaved signal, each interlaced signal from this at least one interleaved signal occupying a set of non-adjacent subcarriers, so that the set is separated from the adjacent subcarrier in this set by a fixed number of subcarriers that are not included in this set, while non-adjacent interlaced signals increase the nominal band occupancy transmission in the unlicensed spectrum; and means for receiving, in an unlicensed spectrum, signals of a physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) using at least one interleaved signal, with each interleaved signal from this at least one interleaved signal occupying a set of non-adjacent subcarriers, so that each subcarrier in this set is separated from the adjacent subcarrier in this set by a fixed number of subcarriers that are not included in this set, while non-adjacent interlaced signals increase the nominal occupancy occupancy of the bandwidth in the unlicensed spectrum. 17. The device according to claim 16, wherein said at least one interleaved signal comprises at least one waveform corresponding to orthogonal frequency division multiplexing with interleaving (I-OFDM). 18. The device according to claim 16, wherein said at least one interleaved signal comprises at least one waveform corresponding to frequency division multiplexing with interleaving (IFDM). 19. A device for wireless communications, comprising: CPU; a storage device in electronic communication with the processor; and instructions stored in the storage device, wherein the instructions are executed by the processor to receive, in an unlicensed spectrum, both the signals of the physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) and the signals of the physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) using at least at least one interleaved signal, each interlaced signal from this at least one interleaved signal occupies a set of non-adjacent subcarriers, so that each subcarrier in this set is a division on from adjacent subcarriers in the set a fixed number of subcarriers not included in this set, and the non-contiguous interleaved signals increase employment nominal bandwidth in the unlicensed spectrum. 20. The device according to claim 19, wherein said at least one interleaved signal comprises at least one waveform corresponding to orthogonal frequency division multiplexing with interleaved (I-OFDM). 21. The device according to claim 19, wherein said at least one interleaved signal comprises at least one waveform corresponding to frequency division multiplexed interleaving (IFDM). 22. A long-term machine-readable medium storing instructions for communication by a wireless communication device in a wireless communication system, which instructions are executable by a processor for prescribing a wireless communication device: receive, in an unlicensed spectrum, both the physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) signals and the physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) signals using at least one interleaved signal, each interleaved signal from this at least one the interleaved signal occupies a set of non-adjacent subcarriers, so that each subcarrier in this set is separated from the adjacent subcarrier in this set by a fixed number of subcarriers not included in this set, with In this case, non-contiguous interlaced signals increase the nominal bandwidth occupancy in the unlicensed spectrum. 23. The long-term machine-readable medium of claim 22, wherein said at least one interleaved signal comprises at least one waveform corresponding to orthogonal frequency division multiplexing with interleaved (I-OFDM). 24. The durable machine-readable medium of clause 22, wherein said at least one interleaved signal comprises at least one waveform corresponding to frequency division multiplexing with interleaving (IFDM).

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